Charity
CANSA Active Champion Melda Ruiters running the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
Cancer Survivor Inspires Community
Cancer survivor Melda Ruiters believes that staying active and participating in sports are key to managing the disease, and as a passionate runner, she will once again be taking part in one of her favourite events, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.
At 52, while training for the Comrades Marathon, Melda Ruiters of Northpine Brackenfell in Cape Town was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Initially misdiagnosed and treated for nephrotic syndrome, she was later told her heart and kidneys were failing. Despite the grim prognosis, including eight months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she never gave up, and after her recovery, she started running again, completing her first half marathon( 21.1km) post-cancer in April 2017.
Last year, she completed the notable challenge of completing 21 x 21.1km races in 12 months. Also in 2024, she competed at the National Transplant Games, and will represent South Africa at the World Transplant Games in Germany in 2025. She already earned a silver medal at the World Transplant Games in Australia in 2023, for the 3km race walk. But now she is focused on the upcoming Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, which she describes as one of her favourite events. additional funds through the online platform GivenGain. This year will be bigger and better – a true celebration of a partnership we deeply value with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, its sponsors, and all supporting partners.”
As such, Geduld says it is extra special have Ruiters once again lining up in the race in Cape Town.“ Melda’ s strength and commitment to staying healthy and active is truly inspiring. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the vital role physical activity plays in recovery and overall wellbeing. She is an incredible role model for anyone facing adversity and a true advocate for leading a healthy, active life.”
Melda in action in the 2022 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
“ As a big supporter of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, I see it as a celebration of fitness and community,” she says.“ I’ ve been running the series since 2017, and I’ m excited for my eighth Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K this year. The live entertainment and spirit of togetherness make it so special.”
“ Dealing with cancer is not easy. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but there are ways that can help you to cope. I recommend counselling or therapy if anxiety affects your daily life. But even more so, I believe staying active played a key role in my recovery,” adds Ruiters.“ From experience, I believe physical activity strengthens the immune system, supports cancer management, and helps regulate hormones. Regular exercise keeps the body healthy and at a good weight, which is crucial for overall wellbeing. If you want a fresh start, try physical activity – it has empowered me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.”
Feeling Appreciated
2025 marks CANSA’ s second year as the official charity of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, and Leillani Geduld, National Corporate Relations & Sporting Events Manager at CANSA says,“ The warm welcome that we received from Stillwater Sports, Absa, PUMA, Chery and other official partners across all cities in 2024 made us feel truly special. A key aspect of our mission is public education, and we offer free cancer screenings at Race Pack Collection while providing valuable information on our support services for cancer patients and their families.”
“ This is also a milestone year for CANSA as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our CANSA Active brand, which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle to lower cancer risk, she continues.“ We invite runners to join as CANSA Active Champions and raise
How to Support CANSA
Runners and walkers participating in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K can support CANSA by starting their own fundraising project at https:// www. givengain. com / event / absa-run-your-city-series-2025. Also, keep an eye out for the CANSA stand at Race Pack Collection. In addition to offering free health checks and screenings, CANSA will be selling merchandise to raise funds for its vital work.
Images: Action Photo SA
38 Run Your City Series