It’s probably the first event in the country with people walking with pink umbrellas to send across a message to the local people. The walk, which was flagged off from Siddhalingaiah Circle near UB City by Ganesh Nayak, MD of HCG, ended at Kanteerava Stadium. There was also a sale of merchandise, which included umbrellas, pink ribbons, tee-shirts, pendants, at the venue. All the money will be channelised for the treatment of needy breast cancer patients.
There were many celebrities involved in the event including Ragini Dwivedi, Aniruddha and Kavitha Lankesh. Members of the Inner Wheel Club, Bangalore and children from many schools were also present. Vijaylakshmi from the Inner Wheel Club said, “When I heard about this walkathon, I knew I had to be a part of it. I urged all the members to turn up as well. Regardless of our busy schedule, we managed to make time for this social cause.”
Film director Kavitha Lankesh said, “Many women are ignorant about many facts when it comes to breast cancer. It’s important for women to be aware of the consequences. It’s better to get a medical check-up regularly.” Kavitha came with daughter Esha and both of them were dressed in pink to support the cause.
Actor Aniruddha said, “It's a social concern and as a citizen, it becomes my duty to support this cause. I love common people and I support any causes for them. I know a survivor and I admire her confidence. She now guides other patients and assures them that the disease is curable. Women should get a health check-up done once in every six months.”
There was also a speech by one of the survivors, Roopa Venkatesh, who spoke in support of the HCG and the walkathon. She also urged people to buy the products sold at the event since the funds are for needy patients. She survived cancer when it was detected in the third stage. “It was painful to see how parents reacted after my sister died and I didn’t want them to go through the same experience again.” She swears by laughing therapy and said that it helped her survive.
Another survivor, Vandana Ramnane, said for her, the cancer was detected in stage 2. “Although initially, I was nervous, I had solid support from my family and even my doctors. They gave me a thumbs-up and I knew I would survive,” she said with a smile. The colour pink certainly got a lot of attention and the walkathon was successful in spreading the message across.