Power walking the fight against cancer

By Gareth Griffiths

With the many advances made in the field of medicine, it is easy to assume that the struggles of the many ordinary human beings who battle with cancer are becoming something of the past. The story of a group of women who set themselves a goal to highlight the reality of the battle with this disease, and in particular that of one survivor, serves as a vivid reminder that the human race is not done with this war.

The China Challenge 2009 took place in April, involving a group of 30 South African women and two men who undertook a week-long hike along sections of the Great Wall of China.

What was extraordinary about this endeavour was not as much the physical and logistical challenges of the event, but the fact that the majority of participants were closely affected by cancer during their lifetimes.

The objective of the exercise was to raise awareness of the conviction of cancer sufferers and their families, and also to earn much-needed funds for non-governmental organisations that exist to help those with life-threatening and terminal diseases.

The Challenge 2009 was organised by Sally Berriman of Durban, whose sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago.

Sally and her sister-in-law participated in a similar event in 2008. That tour was arranged by a charity based in the United Kingdom. In addition to covering substantial costs, they managed to raise a significant amount of money for the various causes involved.

The narrative of 38-year-old Amanda Power of Cape Town, a survivor of breast cancer and other setbacks, is a poignant story of determination and victory against substantial obstacles.

As her cause, Amanda chose to raise funds for St. Luke's Hospice, which provides essential interventions for the terminally ill.

Leadership salutes Amanda Power and her companions who set out to prove that with cancer, you can face multiple obstacles and reach your ultimate goals. Their story is a microcosm of those of hundreds of thousands of cancer sufferers worldwide.

Amanda's story is that of an attractive, vivacious 30-something, middle-class, English-speaking South African woman struggling to have a baby.

Amanda conceived twins after fertility therapy, but her water broke prematurely and after spending six weeks in the maternity clinic she finally lost her babies, a boy and a girl, at birth.

Despite extensive fertility therapy thereafter, she was unable to conceive and then received the devastating news at the age of 35 that she had developed breast cancer.

Some have attributed this to the strong hormonal therapy she had received in trying to fall pregnant, but this in effect closed a very physically and emotionally trying stage in a young woman's life - and opened a ghastly new chapter of hospitalisation, surgery, chemotherapy and the consequential loss of vitality that accompanies a harsh treatment regime.

Amanda speaks of the horrors of losing her hair. "Now I know why many people say 'just shave it off'. I partly heeded advice and had my mid-length blonde hair (I know, you wouldn't believe it was blonde!) cut short. Still, this did nothing to quell the shock and horror of clumps of hair falling out in my hands as I ran them over my head. I was terrified of the wind blowing particularly, as I didn't want to lose my hair in public."

Eventually she took the step of having her head shaved. "It took three days for me to look in the mirror, I felt like a concentration camp victim whose dignity had forcefully been _taken away."

Radiation therapy followed chemotherapy and thereafter the months of recovery during which time Amanda and her husband Richard were lucky enough to be supported extensively by caring friends and family.

Eventually, two years on, Amanda is free of cancer and on the road to starting a normal life.

Like many of the other survivors, the hike is a seminal point in the road to full recovery and dealing with the past.

Within the team, the women were united by the common bond of cancer - some as survivors - and some as those directly affected and traumatised by the disease in other ways in their lives. It was the beginning of many new bonds of friendship.

Planning the China Challenge for a diverse group of South Africans was clearly not easy in itself, but in light of the political and geographical remoteness of the destination, it became a full-time occupation for the South African organisers and team members, lasting several months.

For example, the Cape-based hikers undertook several training sessions in differing terrains, trying to simulate conditions as anticipated along the Wall of China.

Amanda was accompanied by Richard, one of only two South African men on the hike.

Richard had been a constant source of courage and comfort to Amanda during her 18-month battle with the disease.

Diplomatic and other arrangements had to be made with the Chinese authorities, who supplied not only a doctor but also a photographer for the local news channels to accompany the South Africans on the way, along with the official paid guides.

The doctor came equipped with the most basic equipment, but fortunately the majority of the team members were well prepared for most medical eventualities.

The adventure began in Beijing and the large team was transported to the starting point on the first day.

Overnight accommodation was in lodges located in villages along the way. Food was basic but healthy and supplied by the locals.

Daily protein consisted of either pork or chicken. Fresh fruit was a luxury and virtually unknown in these areas.

The hikers had to backpack their lunch and snack rations along the Wall, including such additional clothing as might be needed for cold and even icy conditions. Sections of the Wall are at high altitude and the weather can be treacherous.

The Chinese guides or sherpas were extremely fit and greatly entertaining, according to the group. They heralded from the various villages en route and had to make their own way back home each day, on foot, effectively doubling the distance travelled by the South Africans!

Daily sections were not continuous, hence the group was transported each morning to the specific departure point for the day.

Conditions in rural sections of China were a real education to the team, even in comparison with South Africa as a developing country.

Ablutions were highly primitive, even at overnight stops, and the hygiene practices of many villagers was an experience unto itself.

Anecdotes brought back by the hikers included seeing parents allowing their children to relieve themselves in public along the roadside, and an astonishing absence of animal life in many areas.

According to Amanda and Heather Proudfoot, another Capetonian on the challenge, the conditions experienced awoke in them a greater realisation and appreciation that living in South Africa is by contrast a much easier and blessed existence - for all its people.

From the onset, the team learned the maxim that the Great Wall of China is not walked, it is climbed. Sections are extremely steep. In places, the passage of time and human feet has eroded the steps into steep scrambles.

Day 1 of the route begun at Wangjinglou Tower in the east, ending at Longyuko in the west.

Five main passes and 67 watchtowers were navigated.

On the second day, the hikers passed through the Simatai area up to the highest point on the trail. Thankfully the weather was mild, but the ground conditions on the Wall were quite treacherous.

The passage through the Simatai was continued on day three, along extremely high areas to the village of Gangfang.

Day four took the team through sections of the Wuzoulou Mountain Reserve, the final section of the Wall built during the Ming Dynasty, featuring a three-hour uphill journey in spectacular scenery.

On day five the team traversed the Wall through the highly picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park and then onto local trails under icy conditions.

The sixth and final day involved trekking the Wall at Mutianyu, where restoration work has been done to this most scenic and spectacular section.

In Amanda's own diary entry, she writes: "No one wanted this amazing journey to end. No one wanted to leave the Wall they have grown to love and which has found a lifelong place in our hearts.

"As we climbed the 436-step Heavenly Stairway (with its steep incline of approximately 70%) in our final ascent, emotions ran high. What a magnificent ending it was!"

The personal expenses of undertaking this trip have been high for each participant, notwithstanding the valuable contributions of individual sponsors. But just what has each individual achieved?

Amanda's diary gives a vital insight into the answer. "In some ways, it was amazing to reach the end of our Challenge, to be able to stand and look back on the ups and down we had just conquered. This was an immense physical achievement, especially after one's body has been bruised and battered by the dreadful effects of chemotherapy.

"But there was also far more than this - there was an incredible feeling of pride and fulfilment, almost a completeness to the end of a long and hard journey, both on this challenge and with cancer.

"For me, personally, I took the time to say, 'Right, cancer, you have ruled my life and my mind for two years now - it's now time to set me free and let me live my life'." _

Gareth Griffiths is a communications consultant, professional photographer and freelance writer with an avid interest in the great challenges of life. He may be e-mailed  at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it