Man takes to skating to promote breast cancer awareness

There are several ways to promote a cause and raise awareness on a subject. Among them, runs, rallies, and protests are a regular run of the mill. But, taking a hobby to promote the message of Breast cancer awareness and women fitness by a man is what makes heads turn on roads.

Rana Uppalapati, an IT professional turned retailer at 34 years-of-age has embarked on a journey from Vishakhapatnam to Chennai only to promote Breast cancer awareness among women communities along the way.

He started off on his 800 kilometers journey on May 28 and is all set to reach Chennai by June 4, where he takes part in the Pinkathon rally on the following day. Pinkathon rally is designed to propagate cancer awareness and is organized at a large scale.

Speaking to The Hans India, Rana said, “I have choseen skating, as I have been involved with the sport for more than 25 years. I want to promote the cause in a different way which will make me noticeable.

For any bicycle or walk and a run, I would have to go people and talk the purpose unlike skating. People now notice me on roads and that is where I succeed in fulfilling the purpose. I am also stopping by at various cities and towns to talk to students on the cause.”

Rana, who has earlier skated from Mumbai to Goa that is 600 kilometers in 6 days says that his trip to Goa was though unplanned, he got to practice for skating for a 100 kilometers per day. ‘’I am also asking people to donate for the cause.

For every kilometer I skate, I request patrons to donate a rupee so that the amount is used for treatment of the underprivileged who are battling cancer. We have gathered about Rs 1 lakh so far and are spending them on treatment of a destitute woman,” he said.

Rana, who is on this feat, admits that he takes time out to visit his relatives spread across the region and halts at their place for rest. ‘’This is also another opportunity that I take to make time to meet up the relatives which has become so rare. Young generations should know about human relations and values. This programme has helped me in a lot of ways of self discovery’’, added he.