I wasn't supposed to run. For two weeks now, I walk uncomfortably and sit on a knife edge. The pain in my left leg is excruciating.  Something to do with tightened nerves in my left hip. Medical attention is not helping and so am on therapy; for now. The cancer run which has become annual is however an event that touches me personally. A long time close friend of mine is a victim and so I always make it a date to run for her. Not even a sick leg could rule me out today. 

 

And so with a wobbly leg, I limped my way to the starting point of a 10 km run this morning against the cold chill, which only increased my pain. Hesitant and anxious over what the results could be for me after, I rolled out with the estimated 50,000 plus participants in attendance. In truth, it hurt from the first minute but today was not about me. Everyone here had a reason - humanitarian I believe - and it was touching. They were doing their part to raise awareness and give support to potentially tens of thousands of  cancer victims across the country - God bless them.

For me, it was more personal. Seeing a friend suffer for close to 10 years but helpless to do anything is torture. On my previous 3 visits at the cancer institute in Mulago, I wondered whether we are living in a normal country. I felt sorry I am Ugandan. Thankfully, my friend is out of this hell hole to an environment more promising. 

 

Many runners noticed my limp and discomfort, advising me to let it pass. I respectfully ignored their concerns. By the time I reached Kira Rd.Police station in Bukoto, I had a burning sensation in my leg. The body was giving way but my mind was stronger. The race I was running wasn't mine - it was for my friend. She wasn't even aware I would be running today and it's just as well. It's the satisfaction the sacrifice gave me that was inspiring me. I had to make the finish line;  which is the message to all cancer patients. The will to fight through the pain, the faith in God, the belief in miracles. Never to give up the fight. 

Whether you know the victim or not, a relative or friend, we have a duty to give hope to the hopeless. It's called ubuntu. Empathy is what makes us human, what affirms that we were created in God's image. Rotarians try to remind us everyday. God bless them. 

 

By the time I reached the Uganda Golf Club main gate, I was breaking in tears, almost. The pain was too much but this wasn't the time to give up - 250 m away from the finish line. And so, I picked myself up and continued with my run half screaming but silently. When I  finally entered Kololo airstrip for the final dash, I found renewed energy. My eyes never looked sideways because they were fixed to the ultimate prize - the signage that read; ' Finishing Point'  Once I got there I asked a random runner to 'beat' me a picture with the signage behind. I had made it against all odds. This is what the cancer run is about to all victims; running the race with eyes fixed only on one prize - beating the cancer. Yes, the human will is God inside us. I am not sure what the repurcussions are going to be; whether my leg will be worse or better. Someone who knows better can tell me...

 

The cancer run is a lesson about life - a race for life. It's about selflessness, love.  Sacrifice. It's about human will; it can be stronger than medicine, as powerful as prayer. I have seen my friend overcome the worst periods over the years using just that - the will to live. This run for me, was also a test of friendship. If this will give her one more reason to fight and win, let it be. I reached the finish line today, she can. You can. Congratulations to all who took part in this humanitarian gesture. God bless you richly. For my friend Uganda Cancer Institute.