· Held as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event spotlighted the importance of early detection while celebrating the courage and resilience of cancer winners
Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, hosted the third edition of the Saree Run, an empowering community event that celebrates breast cancer winners and raises awareness about early detection and prevention.
This year’s event saw participation from over 1,000 individuals, including 100 breast cancer winners. The run marked the culmination of a 100-day fitness challenge, during which the cancer winners collectively clocked 5 crore steps, a milestone symbolising their collective journey of resilience, recovery, hope, and advocacy for breast cancer awareness
Participants completed a spirited 3.5 km run in traditional sarees, a symbolic gesture reflecting identity, dignity, and strength. The event was flagged off by Ms. Sowmya Reddy, Former MLA of Jayanagar and President, Karnataka State Mahila Congress, who lauded Apollo Hospitals for championing women’s health and creating platforms that normalise open conversations around breast cancer.
“The Saree Run is not just a celebration, it’s a movement that brings visibility to the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us that awareness towards self-care, health, timely screening, and community support can transform outcomes. Seeing hundreds of women run in sarees with such spirit is a powerful statement of strength, resilience, solidarity and power of women of our country,” said Ms. Reddy in her inaugural address.
Leading the clinical efforts behind the event is Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Senior Consultant and Lead Surgeon, Breast Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, who has personally treated a significant number of the participants, said, “Every step these women took represents courage and defiance against fear, stigma, and uncertainty. Completing 5 crore steps is not just a physical feat; it’s a declaration that life after cancer is full of purpose and vitality. Their resilience inspires patients, doctors, and society alike to believe that breast cancer can be overcome with the right care and early detection.”
Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, “At Apollo Hospitals, we see healing as a journey that extends beyond treatment. The Saree Run is a reflection of that philosophy, where cancer winners lead by example, showing others that awareness and early diagnosis save lives. This initiative is about creating a culture of empowerment, where every woman feels encouraged to prioritise her health and take charge of her wellbeing.”
Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr. (Prof.) Vijay Agarwal, Professor and Lead Consultant, Medical Oncology, remarked, “Breast cancer, when detected early, is highly treatable. Events such as the Saree Run amplify the importance of awareness and regular screening, while also celebrating the success stories of those who have overcome the disease.”
Prof. Dr. Vishwanath S, Professor and Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology, emphasized the broader impact of survivor-led advocacy, saying, “Such initiatives foster a culture of openness, encourage timely medical intervention, and empower patients to take active roles in their recovery journeys.”
Now in its third year, the Saree Run has become a cornerstone of Apollo Hospitals' breast cancer advocacy initiatives in Karnataka. It serves not only as a celebration of cancer winners but also as a platform for community participation and education on early detection and treatment.
No comments:
Post a Comment