Bengaluru: On Sunday, 40 bikers set off on a ride from
Kalinga Rao Road to
Belur Cross in Hassan. Their mission - to create awareness on
cancer and glorify survivors who have battled the killer disease to emerge victorious.
The rally is part of the SelfV (self videos) initiative by Ducati India,
Ducati Owners Club - Bangalore and VST Ducati, Pink Hope Support Group and HCG Cancer Centre. Survivors have to upload videos sharing their stories and the winner of the best video will be gifted a Ducati Superbike.
"SelfV - Survivor Stories aims at creating awareness on cancer and is a platform for cancer survivors to share tales of hope.
In the past two years, we have seen over 700 selfVs being uploaded from across the world. This year, the programme will be flagged off amid bikers," said Dinesh Madhavan, whose father is battling cancer. He rides a Ducasti Multistrada.
Naren Nugehalli, secretary, Ducati Owners Club, said: "Most of us have a loved one affected by the dreaded disease. I see it as a great opportunity to send out the message that cancer can be defeated. We are participating because we are passionate about riding and want to be part of this noble cause."
A Delhi-based IT professional,
Sidharth Ghosh is an avid biker and marathon runner. A cancer survivor himself, Sidharth will also be part of the Ducati rally. Bengalurean Vandana Ramnane has battled breast cancer. Now, she is an active member of Pink Hope Support Group and spends a lot of time counselling patients and survivors.
In solidarity
I am riding to show solidarity to all those affected by cancer. Cancer affects an individual but impacts the whole family. When the family comes together, cancer doesn't stand a chance
Pavan C, rider
Twin passions
I'm glad to be a part of the initiative. As a veteran biker and doctor, this initiative brings together two of my favourite things, riding and the desire to help people
Dr Vivek Thomas, rider