JOG FOR LIFE, IBADAN 2012

October is breast cancer awareness month, observed worldwide annually . In view of this, and also a part of this year’s symposium and Brecan 15th Anniversary, the organization marks this month with her annual signature event Jog for Life.

In Nigeria, the perception of breast cancer as a disease that has no cure is deeply entrenched. Worse still are the myths and false beliefs about what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated which are responsible for, to a large extent, the poor clinical outcome reported in most hospitals in the country. In an effort to change this mindset and prove that breast cancer is neither a death sentence nor caused by juju or spiritual attack, BRECAN in 2002 came up with an innovative fun-filled out-door event named Jog for Life.

What started in Ibadan as an annual event of the breast cancer awareness month with less than 100 participants is steadily growing by the year and held in at least three cities (including Ibadan, Lagos, Owerri and Abuja) every October where in each location over 1000 participants made up of people of all walks of life, young and old register for the event. Apart from raising awareness, Jog for Life has proven to be a dependable avenue for fund raising as money realized from sales of T-shirts, caps and souvenirs are channeled to support BRECAN projects:

The Hope Lodge will ia a home away from home for breast cancer out-patients and their family members/caregivers travelling to the UCH Ibadan for treatment. The lodge will offer so much more than affordable accommodation, providing an atmosphere of serenity that is nurturing and home-like and a place to connect with others who are going through the same experience thereby smoothening the road to recovery. As the Hope Lodge is part of the BRECAN Centre complex, our guests will have access to the library for a variety of resources and information about breast cancer and how best to cope with the disease and yoga studio where they can retreat for exercise, relaxation and meditation

Jog for life is a unique and fun way to celebrate survivorship, raise breast cancer awareness and funds for breast cancer projects and promote exercise as a healthy life-style. The event entails early morning jogging at 7.00am prompt. Participants include breast cancer survivors with family members and friends, sponsors, invited guests and the concerned public. Participants will be treated to light refreshments. Duration of activity is about three hours

Route: The Law Hub(Ring Road) to Moore Plantation, Ibadan Oyo State

Lead Jogger: Mrs Titi-Laoye, Deputy Governor, Osun State

Side attractions: Raffle Draw, free medical check-up which will of course include clinical breast examinations

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