Riding towards a fruitful cause – for 23,000km
Not all heroes wear capes. Such is the case for Associate Professors Dr Philip Iau and Dr Mikael Hartman, two breast surgeons hailing from National University Hospital (NUH).
(Image: Karolinska Institutet)
In March 2014, the two tenacious professors embarked on a journey from Singapore to Sweden on motorcycles – to raise awareness of breast cancer. Across spectacular landscapes, treacherous terrains and snow-capped mountains – they were bound for an unforgettable adventure in the rest of their lives. The expedition took more than 100 days, in which they visited 17 countries in total, including China, Stockholm, and Turkey. Upon reaching these countries, they conducted lectures, presentations, health symposiums, and surgical demonstrations. Throughout the journey, the duo constantly updated their Facebook page: “The Long Ride 2014 – Singapore to Sweden”,uploading photos, videos, and sharing articles.
(Image: NUS – School of Public Health)
What was the drive behind “The Long Ride 2014: Singapore to Sweden”? The increased prevalence of breast cancer in Asia. Fortunately, through timely intervention and advanced technology, the mortality rate in regard to patients diagnosed with breast cancer has decreased. On the contrary, such isn’t the case in rural environments. Due to the substantial increase in population and a scarcity of proper healthcare resources, successful detection of people diagnosed with breast cancer is more difficult.
The journey wasn’t smooth sailing – but it is definitely a fulfilling one. In China, Prof Iau encountered a panic attack on the road. Despite his fear, he managed to overcome it and will be back on his two-wheeler from Lanzhou onwards. Kudos to Prof Iau!
En route to Urumqi, the professors encountered a snowstorm in Turpan. As a result, the road to Urumqi was cordoned off and they spent the night in Turpan. Days later, a feeling of déjà vu ensued. They were planning to spend a night at Almaty, but a sandstorm thwarted their plans. Thankfully, they retreated and returned to a shelter which took them in for the night. This is an excerpt from a Facebook post regarding this incident:
“Storm clouds were looming, bikes were twitching to the wind, there was no way we could make it into Almaty”
Thank goodness we chose to turn around - the house that we passed before turned out to be a soup place for the passing truckers. There was secure parking for the bikes, shelter from the storm, food and vodka, milk tea served in bowls and incredibly comfortable sofas to spend the night. We were so very grateful to our benefactors!”
Their journey ended around the start of August that same year, but it is simply the end of the beginning. In fact, Dr Iau has launched a book about his journey in August 2017, affectionately titled: “The Long Ride from Singapore”. The book is currently available at major retail bookstores in Singapore, including Kinokuniya.
(Image: Singapore Kinokuniya)
“Compellingly narrated and movingly portrayed, this is an unforgettable story of fear, courage, growth, acceptance and wisdom” – Marshall Cavendish
Here is a video of “#LongRideSS”