Daily Times

Each year October, or as now called Pinktober, marks the month as Breast Cancer awareness month.The memories of victims as well as survivors and those going through this disease are honored in their battle against the illness. Here, as well as all over the world,pink lights go up decorating buildings as several corporate and private institutionstry to give back by marking their solidarity in promoting the cause. The color pink alongside the pink ribbon now being known as the International symbol of breast cancer awareness. The pink ribbonlogo insignia as badges are usually seen pinned on many people especially during this month. Many go further in their drive to raise funds via different events organized throughout the country. Difficult as it was this year with restrictions, the entire month has seen great visionaries and ground-breaking progress as far as the topic of spreading information and awarenessabout the disease. This year as usual,the group called Bikestanteamed up for their annual grand bike ride in support of this cause for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH). Thousands of biking enthusiasts in Pakistan joined together for the common cause for the grand Pinktober ride. SKMCH of course being known for being at the forefront of Cancerresearch, diagnosis, awareness and treatment. Several events were organized to not only to raise funds but also to give important information about diagnosis and treatment options for those in need. Despite restrictions, the riders were still able to venture forth and organize a huge event with enthusiasts from all walks of life joining in together.

Till date it is known to provide free treatment to 75% of its cancer patients. A truly commendable effort which has marked the philanthropic efforts of the cricketer-turned-politician and now the current Prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan

The bike ride saw droves of people gearing up, following SOP’s of course. They even touted wearing pink colored face masks.It was quite a great sight to see thousands riding pastin their pink t-shirts in the designated areas in the different cities of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.

The topic of breast cancer is very much on the news all over the world and especially in Pakistan as many volunteer readily to support it. Pinktober was certainly something that several Pakistanis have taken up as a great and worthy cause to support. The ownersof Bikestan, Faisal Khalid and ShoaibNizami look like two ordinary two guys when we met randomly enough. But their unassuming manner and humble attitude revealed a greatpositivity behind the work they are doing once we got talking. Both owners of thepopular Bike store in Karachi they have thousands of biking enthusiasts that flock to their shops in Karachi and Lahore to buy from them.

Breast cancer is a horrific illness which has struck so many people, both women as well as men,leaving behind many families in the wake of the horror as the disease progresses. From the diagnosis to the treatment the entire process is an ordeal when at one point it was a taboo subject to even speak about here in the country. As thousands lined up for the event it was interesting to note that so many men alongside the women supporting this cause in Pakistan. A good change has certainly come when at one point speaking about the disease itself, just because of its name, was not even possible and quite often was censored in media.

SKMCH has been the pioneer in Cancer diagnosis and treatment since the 90’s. It has been a lifesaver for thousands of people who would at one point have no means to even obtain a diagnosis let alone treatment. Till date it is known to provide free treatment to 75% of its cancer patients. A truly commendable effort which has marked the philanthropic efforts of the cricketer-turned-politician and now the currentPrime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan.

SKMCHis now developing a new location; acancer hospital in DHA city for the people of Sindh. Sindh being one of the largest populated regions of Pakistan, this hospital will be strategically located to help millions to get treatment on this side of the country.

Shoaib the co-founder of Bikestan, says they have a keen passion for this as making money is one thing and their business catered to a niche market for sure. At one point they were the first bike stores in Pakistan. Of course, many have popped up now but they still remain a household name for being one of the first stores to cater to the market. All of this is very well but giving back to the community and the country is something of a passion. So,the co-founders decided to combine this by engaging the community in the sport of bike riding and athletic events to raise funds for the cause of breast cancer awareness. They managed to get together people who share common ground on the same thoughts and are happy to volunteer their services for such events. The detailed planning for so many people in times like these could not have been easy. Shoaib told us that recently his own father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He says although he has been doing this work to raise funds for cancer for many years now, it is still pivotal when somebody you know is diagnosed with any type of illness.

A very noble cause indeed. It is amazing to see the country grow and prosper not only through individuals who would want to make a difference by building their own businesses but also give back into the system.

The writer is known for her articles on social and cultural impact