This Women’s Day, Ride For Cancer in partnership with SBI Foundation, Government of Goa and the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance — was a big step towards our goal of empowering each Indian with information on Breast Cancer. The bike rally involved 82 bikers from across Goa including 11 women bikers, representing 12 biker clubs. The bike rally was flagged off by Mr Naveen Kumar Gupta (Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India, Goa), Dr. Ira Almeida (Director Health Services, Government of Goa), Dr. Kedar Raikar (Nodal Officer, DHS) and Dr Deepa Correia-Afonso (Medical Superintendent, Hospicio South Goa District Hospital) in the presence of Dr. Tejan Lotlikar (Primary Health Centre Cortalim) and Dr. Mahesh Verlekar (Hospicio South Goa District Hospital). The rally started from South Goa District Hospital in Margao and covered a total distance of about 25kms via PHC Cansaulim, Colva Church – finally culminating at South Goa District Hospital.

Having worked with the Government of Goa and SBI Foundation on ‘Swasth Mahila Swasth Goa Initiative’ — excellent partnership and common goals allowed this bike rally to become a resounding success. “Our Foundation has been making immense efforts under the Swasth Mahila, Swasth Goa programme to spread the message that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. The bike rally was organized to get people from all corners of Goa to join hands with us so that this message can be spread more effectively across the state. We are thrilled with the response we have received from the biking community of Goa and hope that it will help us expedite the process of achieving our goal of screening 50% of the age eligible female population of the State for breast cancer within two years,” said Yuvraj Singh.

Participant Dr Tejan Lotlikar expressed, “Thank you all for the participation in the rally that was organized for a noble cause. You all helped to make it a successful event.” Another participant, Commander Prashant Kamat added, “Goan riders ‘Wake up Early’ to create awareness of Breast Cancer. ‘Wake up Early’ and get yourself checked, as cancer can be cured if detected early.” We are grateful to each individual involved in helping Ride for Cancer possible. We are because you are!

“Our Foundation has been making immense efforts under the Swasth Mahila, Swasth Goa programme to spread the message that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. The bike rally was organized to get people from all corners of Goa to join hands with us so that this message can be spread more effectively across the state. We are thrilled with the response we have received from the biking community of Goa and hope that it will help us expedite the process of achieving our goal of screening 50% of the age eligible female population of the State for breast cancer within two years.”

“Goan riders “Wake up Early” to create awareness of Breast Cancer. “Wake up Early” and get yourself checked, as the cancer can be cured if detected early.” We are grateful to each individual involved in helping Ride for Cancer possible. We are because you are! – Commander Prashant Kamat