Each one of us has a voice or a talent to make a real change, says Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, well known TV and radio personality who will be the MC at People’s Post and TygerBurger’s Queens of Quick event on Women’s Day.
Elana was challenged in June by her namesake Elana Meyer to “Run4Change” on behalf of The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) in the Cape Town Marathon 10km Peace run on Sunday 23 September.
When she accepted the challenge from Meyer, who she calls her childhood hero, it was in part because her aunt Debbie had just lost her battle against cancer.
“I wanted to do something to celebrate her life and the Cape Town Marathon presents a platform for change,” says Elana. “There is no better way of getting a message across than having the voices of like minded individuals with credibility, influence and passion behind it!”
Elana says she always looked up to Meyer as one of the women locally and the world stage who makes a real difference.
Elana has been training since the beginning of July with help from Meyer who worked out a programme for her. Her aim is to finish the 10km in less than 60 mins. “I’m going to run for change and I’m going to run fast,” says the energetic Elana.
And if you can keep up with her you are welcome to join her, she says. She will be running in support of every family who have lost someone to cancer.
Organisations like Cansa exist to assist and offer a helping hand to make all affected by cancer feel a little more normal, she says.
She hates cancer and it gets real when someone close to you is affected. “Tell your mother you love her, make up with your sister … life is short,” says Elana.