In an inspiring demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Cotiviti Nepal, a healthcare informatics organisation, organised a walkathon titled Pinkwalk on Saturday. The event was organised in collaboration with the Cancer Care Nepal Society—an NGO dedicated to creating awareness, conducting preventive screening, and cancer-related health camps in different parts of the country.

The primary objective of the Pinkwalk was to amplify awareness surrounding breast cancer, encourage early detection, demonstrate solidarity with those battling the disease, and raise essential funds for research, treatment, and support. All the proceeds generated from this event were earmarked for the Cancer Care Nepal Society.

The Pinkwalk journey commenced at Naryanchaur at 6 am, and participants walked through Nagpokhari, Kantipath, Sohrakhutte and Shova Bhagwati, ultimately reaching the end point at Bhagwan Pau, Swayambhu.

The opening ceremony at Naryanchaur set the tone for the event. Some distinguished guests were in attendance, including the founder of Maiti Nepal, Anuradha Koirala, and actress and the honourary chairperson of Cancer Care Nepal Society, Manisha Koirala. The heartfelt words shared by these guests resonated with the assembled crowd, all gathered with a common purpose—to promote breast cancer awareness.

Anuradha Koirala, in her address, emphasised that the endeavour to raise awareness about breast cancer shouldn’t be confined to a single event. Instead, it should be an ongoing dialogue, a topic discussed daily. She stressed that it’s our collective responsibility to educate and to bring more people into the dialogue of breast cancer.

Sharing her personal journey as an ovarian cancer survivor, Manisha Koirala relayed a message of resilience and courage, saying, “Cancer is not a death sentence. We lose hope thinking cancer cannot be healed, but it can be healed and there are so many examples of people who have beaten cancer.” She also urged women to pay sincere attention to their bodies, encouraging them to consult a doctor if they experience any unusual discomfort. “The healing process becomes much easier if the cancer is detected early,” she added.

Adding a professional perspective to the discussion, Dr Sandhya Chapagain, a consultant oncologist and associate professor at the Department of Clinical Oncology NAMS, Bir Hospital, stressed the significance of sound policies in the treatment of breast cancer. “Alongside policies, modern technology also plays a vital role in the treatment,” she added.

The culmination point of the Pinkwalk was at Bhagwan Pau, Swayambhunath, where a short closing ceremony was held where cancer survivors were lauded for their incredible resilience and courage. Dr Madan Kumar Piya, the chairman of Cancer Care Nepal Society, expressed his admiration for the survivors. He also mentioned how they serve as a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Sunita Shakya, project manager of Cotiviti Nepal, also weighed in on the significance of such awareness-generating fundraiser programmes, saying, “Events like Pinkwalk are not just about raising funds; they’re a platform to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to take charge of their health.” She also added that awareness leads to early detection, better treatment outcomes, and, ultimately, saving lives.

The organisers stated that events like Pinkwalk serve as an inspiration for individuals and organisations to come together, raise awareness, and support those affected by this challenging disease. As Anuradha Koirala aptly put it, “Raising awareness about breast cancer is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment that should echo in our daily lives.”