Cycling team going the extra mile in fight against rare form of Cancer

Dieter Uchtdorf wrote: “Let our hearts be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path.”

This is a quote that the Skema 2 Sea team took to heart, when in a remarkable display of unity, steadfast determination and compassion, the cycling team purposed to embark on an extraordinary endeavour.

The Skema 2 Sea team has set themselves the objective to conquer an impressive 450-kilometre cycling challenge … within a single day. So, on January 8 next year, the 10-strong peloton of riders will leave Hartswater with their sights firmly set on reaching Clarence – just a stone’s throw from the Eswatini border – within the 24-hour limit they have set for themselves.

Just the ride alone would have been impressive and newsworthy; but that’s not the most amazing thing about this particular test of endurance.

The 24-hour trek to Clarence is part of a mission of mercy in support of 18-year-old Jan Roux; a young man bravely battling myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA), a rare form of cancer.

MECA, with an incidence rate of only 0.2% among all salivary gland tumours, presents a significant medical challenge.

Treatments for this rare carcinoma involve chemotherapy, which uses drugs to target and destroy cancer cells either throughout the body or in specific areas. Often, chemotherapy is administered in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery to enhance its effectiveness.

Jan’s valiant struggle has inspired the Skema 2 Sea team to rally behind the cause of MECA cancer awareness and to use the cycle challenge to extend financial aid to Jan and his family during this challenging time they are enduring.

Upon learning of the humanitarian endurance run the DFA Newspaper immediately came on board as a media sponsor. The DFA will accompany the team en-route, documenting their expedition and providing real-time updates on their progress across the arduous 450-kilometre journey.

Readers can stay tuned by following the 24-hour endurance run on the DFA Facebook page as we bring you coverage of this inspiring journey.

Even more remarkable is that each team member has committed to finishing the race, meaning that every one of the team members will be determined to cover the entirety of the staggering 450-kilometre distance in the allotted time. Needless to say, the mammoth challenge underscores each team member’s dedication to Jan’s fight against this rare malignant tumour that predominantly manifests in the salivary glands but can also affect skin and soft tissue.

William White, Chairman of Skema 2 Sea team spoke to the DFA as the team were in the process of training and preparing for the challenge. “It is a privilege and honour to cycle for Jan, extending our support towards MECA cancer awareness and striving to alleviate the financial burden on him and his family,” White said.

In practically the same breath, White invited everyone who could to get behind the team, behind Jan Roux and behind the fight against MECA. “Join us in this noble cause,” he said. “Become a part of Jan’s fight, and make a difference.”

The Skema 2 Sea team will be made up of 10 dedicated cyclists; Hugh White, NJ van der Walt, Ruan Pietersen, John William Donaldson, David van Rensburg, Tinus Wagenaar, Heinie Naude, Bart Visser, Danny Blunden, and William White will all be marking the arduous trip at the end of January.

Each team member’s commitment to this monumental cycling challenge reflects the unity and determination required to confront MECA and support individuals like Jan in their battle against this rare form of cancer.

For those who are prepared to support this noble cause and make a positive impact in the fight against MECA, please don't hesitate to contact William White at 072 772 2431 for more information. Your contributions, whether through direct assistance or financial support, play a crucial role in the team’s mission.

Your generosity and support are pivotal in Jan's battle against myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA), providing much-needed assistance to him and his family during this challenging time.

As the Skema 2 Sea team gears up for this monumental cycling challenge, their efforts serve as a beacon of hope and determination, uniting communities in the fight against MECA and showing steadfast support for Jan Roux and others facing this rare form of cancer. Let's join hands, join hearts, and pedal forward in solidarity against MECA.

To make a donation, you can transfer funds directly to the following bank account:

Bank: Absa Bank

Account Name: Skema 2 Sea

Account Type: Cheque Account

Account Number: 4110178244

Reference: Jan Roux Skenking