AN entourage of superbike riders from various superbike associations dressed in pink colour, rode from Auto City in Juru to the Gurney Plaza today.
The initiative is known as the ‘Pink Vroom – Charity Ride For Breast Cancer’. It is aimed at spreading awareness of the importance of early screenings for breast cancer and raising funds for the Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) Cancer Fund.
The convoy is a joint collaboration between PAH, Harley Davidson Penang and various rider groups such as Ladies of Harley, Harley Owners Group, Ducati Club Penang, Lady Bikers Utara, Throttles Angels, Iron Ladies Biker and Derhaka Bikers.
PAH chief financial officer Albin Phua said more than 60 superbike riders joined the convoy that started in the morning.
“The entourage made a few pit stops or what we call ‘breast cancer awareness points’ at several of Penang’s significant locations such as Karpal Singh Drive, City Hall and Komtar.
“At those pit stops, we presented breast cancer awareness brochures to partnering state assemblymen, which will, in turn, distribute it to the public in their constituencies.
“The Pink Vroom initiative aims to raise RM100,000 for PAH Cancer Fund, a fund where the hospital provides medical assistance for needy patients to undergo cancer-related treatment.
“For the record, a total of RM409,871 has been disbursed from this cancer fund last year to help 19 cancer patients.
“And I am glad to announce that from this initiative today and other contributions from the public and corporate sectors, we managed to collect RM183,000 for the PAH Cancer Fund,” Phua said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the closing ceremony of the event at Gurney Plaza today.
Also present were Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) corporate and communications director Muhammad Muashraf Mohamed and Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee.
According to Phua, the success of the Pink Vroom initiative was largely due to the support of many like-minded partners such as the venue sponsor, Gurney Plaza, Harley Davidson Penang and various superbike groups.
“Finally yet importantly, the donors who believed in the hospital’s cause and donated generously.
“Without the support, the hospital would not be able to raise the much-needed fund to help needy cancer patients.
“So, we are genuinely grateful for the trust and support shown to us. Thank you for enabling us to reach out to help the needy in our community,” he added.
Chow commended PAH for such a noble initiative.
“As we know, PAH is synonymous with ‘health-promoting hospital’, and as the chief minister, I am extremely proud of your accomplishment and years of selfless service to our community.
“And today’s Pink Vroom – Charity Ride For Breast Cancer is yet another example of your commitment and hard work.
“PAH, as a health-promoting hospital, understands that prevention is better than cure, as there is much more to do than simply treating illness.
“Your efforts to promote healthy living by organising various health campaigns and events throughout the year, such as this and many others, should be emulated.
“And today, we are witnessing our stand in solidarity, not just as individuals, but also as a society, in support of all those who are touched by breast cancer,” he said.
Chow said breast cancer does not discriminate.
“It strikes people of all races, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds. To make matters worse, it is commonly referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as it often goes unnoticed by patients until it is very advanced.
“One factor that has consistently been linked to late diagnosis and treatment is the delay in seeking help for cancer-like symptoms. It is mainly due to lack of public awareness.
“It is critical for us to raise awareness of this disease and its symptoms, so that it can be identified in its early stages and treated more effectively.
“I am pleased to know that during today’s ride, the superbike riders have already relay the message in the form of breast cancer awareness brochures to the Penang community through various service centres of the state assemblymen, informing them of the dangers that breast cancer poses and the importance of getting this illness diagnosed as early as possible,” said Chow.
Chow also encouraged all Penangites, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to continue supporting PAH’s charitable works.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting