BRECAN’s Maiden Jog For Life in Abeokuta a tremendous success – The full Report

The maiden edition of BRECAN Jog for Life in Abeokuta, Ogun State was held on Saturday October 19, 2013. It was organised in partnership with Adeolu Health Care Foundation based in Abeokuta. Her Excellency, Mrs Olufunso Amosun graced the event as the lead jogger. She arrived at MKO stadium about 7.30 am in company of some government officials and members of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Ogun State branch and was received by the BRECAN Founder/President, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.

After some warm-up exercise which was coordinated by the stadium officials, she led the participants in more than an hour jogging/walking along the designated route: MKO stadium- Kuto market – Ijaye garage- Ijaye market – Abeokuta Grammar School Idi-Aba. Four stopovers were made at the markets and garage in order to enligthen curious onlookers about breast cancer as well as distribute handbills which, infact, is the essence of jogging along the street. At the destination, participants were welcomed with an address by the CEO/Founder, Adeolu Healthcare Foundation, Mrs Mary Adedoyin and had the privilege of listening to breast health talks in English and Yoruba from experts from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife and University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The message was that women should take charge of their breast health by checking their breasts monthly in order to become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and if any unusual changes such as lump, discharge from the nipples etc were detected, hospital should be the place to go without delay. Due to the fact that breast cancer is disease that progresses with time, early detection and presentation can save lives while delay or late presentation can lead to untimely and painful deaths. Free breast screening was conducted as well as other medical tests such as blood pressure and blood sugar. In addition, the audience was treated to music and dance by BRECAN choir and light refreshment.

Jog for life aims to accomplish four things: 1. Raise breast health awareness. 2. Raise funds to support BRECAN projects. 3. Celebrate survivorship thereby showcasing that breast cancer can be defeated. 4. Promoting exercise as a healthy lifestyle.

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