Founder Members and Directors of Journey of Hope - from left, Aileen Taylor and Diane Parker

This campaign brings with it a message of hope and encouragement in an optimistic, positive and unique manner through the courage and the drive of 15 breast cancer survivors, who will continue to traverse the county on Honda motorcycles to refute the myths surrounding breast cancer. This year we will also be joined by Tex Neveling, the Journey of Hope's first male breast cancer survivor. The 2011 ride will take place from 9 to 15 October 2011.

The project was initiated by Diane Parker who was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2004. She had found support from other breast cancer survivors Chrissy Jeavons, Aileen Taylor and Nellie Ndwambi when the project, Biking for Breast Health, took place in October 2006.The idea of Journey of Hope (a registered Section 21 company) was born and the founders, Diane Parker and Aileen Taylor, took a slightly different approach than in the 2006 ride through increasing awareness and reaching more South Africans.

The 2008 Temptations Journey of Hope left from Johannesburg on 10 October and finished in Cape Town on the 18th. The journey raised more than R1.2-million in cash sponsorships to assist breast cancer survivors from underprivileged areas of South Africa in affording breast reconstruction. Breast cancer surgery such as a mastectomy, single or bilateral, is paid for by state government hospitals. Reconstruction is not, and this leaves many women disfigured. 

The 2009 Journey of Hope left Cape Town on 17 October and finished in Johannesburg on the 24th. A total of approximately R2-million in sponsorships and funds was raised. The funds continue to help promote breast cancer awareness throughout South Africa and create change in the lives of breast cancer survivors who are able to feel whole again, either by breast reconstruction surgeries or prostheses.

The Concept

The Journey of Hope focuses on celebrates the lives of breast cancer survivors. A group of breast cancer survivors from all walks of life travel across South Africa on Honda motorcycles spreading the message of a positive attitude and of hope in a unique and vibrant way through the stories of these dynamic heroes. Appearances, talks and awareness workshops are held throughout the year, increasing the impact of Journey of Hope's message. During the week of the main ride, various schools, shopping centres and communities along the route are visited, spreading the message of hope across the country.

The Need

• In South Africa, the incidence of breast cancer has overtaken that of cervical cancer.
• One in 27 women is diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Cancer does not discriminate against colour or race as 17.9% of white women, 24.4% of Asian women, 18.2% of coloured women and 13.3% of African women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• With early detection and appropriate treatment, the survival rate is 95%
• Due to ignorance and lack of information and awareness, many women die of breast cancer in South Africa. This picture could look very different.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives for the journey:

• To unite in our passion for creating awareness;
• Reach out to South Africans in an effective manner;
• Reach out to rural communities;
• Assist in creating awareness through breast cancer support groups, motorcycle enthusiasts, and other clubs;
• Organise fundraising events to support the awareness campaign;
• Make it possible for women and men to go through a breast cancer screening process should they not have a medical aid or not be able to afford this;
• Be instrumental in taking women and men, who walked the road of breast cancer, on their own journey of hope by supplying them with a prosthesis until they can receive a mastectomy;
• Spread the message that breast cancer can be beaten if detected and treated early enough;
• To collaborate with other organisations working for the same cause.