With exercise and a positive mindset playing a vital role in their recovery, three cancer survivors will line up in the Totalsports Women’ s Race to run in support of the event’ s official charity, PinkDrive.
CHARITY
With exercise and a positive mindset playing a vital role in their recovery, three cancer survivors will line up in the Totalsports Women’ s Race to run in support of the event’ s official charity, PinkDrive.
CANCER SURVIVORS LACE UP FOR
As the biggest celebration-on-therun of Women’ s Month in August, the Totalsports Women’ s Race proudly continues to empower women while supporting PinkDrive as its official charity. PinkDrive is committed to improving breast cancer awareness and education as well as providing free screening services to the medically uninsured across South Africa. As part of this initiative, PinkDrive will offer free clinical breast examinations at all three of the Totalsports Women’ s Races, along with the opportunity to consult with a PinkDrive nurse for general medical advice.
To support PinkDrive’ s work, all runners registering for the Totalsports Women’ s Race were invited to include a donation to the organisation with their entry fee. Runners can also visit PinkDrive’ s Shop4Cancer at each event, where they can deck themselves out in pink gear to show their support for this worthy cause while celebrating the strength, resilience, and vital role of women in society.
Running For Health
The 2025 Totalsports Women’ s Race will include three cancer survivors, who are proudly sharing their inspirational journeys as they prepare to participate in the event in their respective cities. The Durban race will see Denise Williams tackle the 10km, while Rayghanah Cassiem will be in action in Cape Town, and Loraika Pillay will lace up her shoes for the Joburg race.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, Umhlanga resident Denise has now been in remission for seven years.“ I tackled the battle head-on. I was determined not to let it defeat me. My family, friends, and colleagues stood by me every step of the way. A friend of 30 years came to stay with me every weekend during my three-month chemotherapy journey. My‘ cancer sisters’ at the oncology centre became like family- we walked that path together,” she says.
“ I consulted a nutritionist, did DNA testing to understand the root of my cancer, changed my diet, exercised mindfully, and focused on my overall wellbeing with a positive attitude. Today, I’ m stronger for the journey. I thank God every day for the gift of life. I count my blessings and appreciate everything, even the smallest moments. I’ m living my life to the fullest.”
Williams believes in the healing power of movement and mindset, which is why she is proud to be part of this year’ s race:“ Staying active and participating in events like the Totalsports Women’ s Race has a truly positive impact. It keeps the mind sharp, and helps you stay motivated, set goals and aim for milestones. The vibe at this race is so uplifting, with an electric atmosphere. It’ s always wellorganised and supports such an important cause.”
Inspired by Determination
On behalf of title sponsor Totalsports, Head of Marketing Nikki Crous says that her team feels privileged to welcome these cancer survivors to the start line.“ Denise, Rayghanah and Loraika embody the incredible strength, resilience, and spirit that the Totalsports Women’ s Race stands for. Their journeys are powerful reminders of what it means to overcome adversity with courage and grace. We are truly inspired by their determination and proud to honour them – along with the many other runners, walkers, and supporters who are walking similar paths. This race is a celebration of every woman’ s story, and we’ re privileged to be part of theirs.”
For more information on PinkDrive, visit www. pinkdrive. org.
Images: Courtesy PinkDrive
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Cancer survivor and PinkDrive supporter Denise Williams