GANDAKI: “I want to share my joy and satisfaction with others after defeating cancer. I gathered the courage to fight cancer, and chose challenges and struggles,” said Kabita Chitrakar, who is currently on a cycling journey in the mid-hills.

Chitrakar, who has been travelling through the Mid-Hills Highway by bicycle, has reached Achham in the Sudurpaschim Province today. However, she is not alone on the cycling journey.

Her fellow cancer survivor Harka Lama, has also set out on a long journey through the mid-hills. The cycling team, which started from Chiwabhanjyang in Panchthar on this New Year’s Day, had entered Lumbini Province a few days ago after passing through Kaski, Parbat and Baglung in Gandaki Province.

Chitrakar said that they would be pedaling for roughly 1,800 kilometres through the mid-hills with the objective of raising cancer awareness.

“We are also conducting programmes to raise awareness about cancer in various places. Another aim of our journey is to inspire and encourage those affected by cancer,” she said.

The Kathmandu-based Chitrakar was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. Even though she was diagnosed with ‘stage three’ cancer, she overcame it after regular treatment in Nepal itself.

“Even now, I have to have regular check-ups and tests for cancer. I urge everyone diagnosed with cancer not to panic. I have embarked on this journey to convey the message that one must be optimistic even in the most difficult situations,” she said.

Harka Lama from Sindhupalchok also had prostate cancer a few years ago. The cancer survivor is now involved in raising cancer awareness as well as in the treatment and care of cancer patients.

He said that after witnessing the problems faced by cancer patients in the hospital, he set out on a cycling tour on the Mid-Hill Highway to set up a treatment fund.

“This cycling expedition also aims to dispel the fear and anxiety surrounding cancer in society,” Lama remarked. “When diagnosed and treated promptly, cancer can be overcome, allowing survivors to lead lives just like anyone else, spreading a message of hope.”

Among the participants in this cycling journey are cyclists Usha Khanal and Dr Bikash Parajuli from Dhulikhel Hospital. Prof Dr Suman Tamrakar, an obstetrics and gynecology expert at Dhulikhel Hospital, noted that the cycling event was organized in partnership with the Cycling Culture Community and Dhulikhel Hospital.

He shared that today’s itinerary includes traveling from Achham to Doti. Dr Tamrakar mentioned that the 28-day cycling journey has already completed 24 days and will wrap up upon reaching Jhulaghat in Baitadi.

“Throughout this period, we have held cancer awareness initiatives at 13 locations across 11 districts, reaching approximately 1,700 individuals,” he stated.

“We are collaborating with local authorities, health organizations, and social groups in the respective areas.” During the cycling journey, programmes were organized to raise awareness about issues such as cervical and breast cancer.

Tamrakar also indicated that a cancer treatment fund will be established at Dhulikhel Hospital as a result of this journey, with the hospital pledging to contribute an additional 50 percent of the total funds raised.

He reported that over three million rupees has been raised so far through ‘Crowdfunding’ on ‘GoFundMe’ for this fund.

Dr Tamrakar explained that the fund will assist members of disadvantaged families seeking cancer treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital. It has been announced that the funds collected during the cycling journey will be presented to the hospital on World Cancer Day, February 4.

Dr Tamrakar mentioned that the cycling journey along the Mid-Hill Highway, which connects the eastern and western parts of Nepal, will be featured in a documentary that tells the life story of a cancer survivor.