Why We Keep Coming Back to the Rotary Cancer Run

The Rotary Cancer Run in Uganda has evolved from a 12-year-old fundraising event into a vital public health initiative, bringing together thousands of Ugandans annually in solidarity against cancer. The event embodies the proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together," highlighting the power of collective, repeated action.

Kampala hosts numerous charity events, but the Rotary Cancer Run distinguishes itself through its enduring impact and broad participation. It has grown to encompass corporate organizations, individuals, families, schools, and institutions, all united by a shared purpose: to enhance cancer care, support patients, and expand treatment infrastructure. This collective pledge demonstrates how small contributions from many can yield extraordinary results.

For organizations like Maad McCann, the partnership with the Rotary Cancer Run is deeply personal. Many team members have been personally affected by cancer, having supported parents through treatment, rallied around friends, or navigated the anxieties of a diagnosis. The cause is not abstract but hits close to home.

Globally, cancer remains a devastating challenge. Uganda records approximately 36,000 new cancer cases annually, with nearly 25,000 deaths each year, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's Global Cancer Observatory. The Rotary Cancer Run provides a tangible way for Ugandans to respond to this crisis.

Through the run's efforts, a dedicated cancer ward has been established at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, its bed capacity expanded, and the facility equipped with specialized medical equipment. Furthermore, a full-fledged cancer treatment center is under construction. These achievements, alongside the participation of over 250,000 people and the raising of approximately 5 billion Ugandan shillings, underscore the campaign's success in reaching communities across Uganda with a crucial message: cancer is a fight that belongs to everyone.