Fifty cancer survivors and members of their families on Sunday set off from Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei on a 10-day, 1,100km cycling journey around Taiwan.
The annual round-island ride, now in its 13th year, brought together participants aged 40 to 84, representing three generations of cancer survivors and their loved ones to show that people can lead active and meaningful lives after cancer.
At the flag-off ceremony, Taiwanese Anti-Cancer Association chairman Huang Wen-chieh (黃文傑) said that public education about cancer should begin with awareness and understanding.
Photo courtesy of Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei
The association provides resources and emotional support to people with cancer and their families, while promoting public engagement in cancer care, he said.
The recovery period after treatment is especially critical, Huang said.
Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise not only strengthens the body, but also improves mental health, helping survivors rediscover joy and hope, he said.
Mackay Memorial Hospital superintendent Chang Wen-han (張文瀚) praised the riders’ resilience, saying that their spirit demonstrates that true strength lies in pressing forward despite adversity.
More than 300 volunteers from across Taiwan are to join the cyclists at different legs of the 10-day journey, supporting their message of perseverance and hope.
Wu Hsing-chuan (吳興傳), a stage-three colorectal cancer survivor who launched the event in 2011, said he hopes all cancer survivors make exercise a part of daily life, adding that regular physical activity can help prevent cancer and reduce the need for medical visits.
Reflecting on his 16 years since cancer, Wu, a former running coach, said he believes exercise boosts immunity.
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