It's been a little while since we last wrote to you, and we wanted to share a few words from the heart now that the dust (not the haze) has settled.
Capy Strides for Cancer Awareness didn't go the way any of us pictured it. When the haze rolled in, we had to make the call we never wanted to make: we cancelled the run. It was the right thing to do, and we'll always stand by that decision, because so many of you are survivors, in treatment, or caring for someone who is. Your lungs and your safety come before any schedule, every single time.
What warmed our hearts, though, was what happened next.
On 17 October, we welcomed you to Decathlon NU Sentral for race kit and medal collection. And you came. Most of our registered participants turned up, smiling, to collect their kits and medals in person.
What stood out to us most wasn't the turnout. It was the kindness. Time and again, we heard the same gentle words from you: we understand. You made the right call.
That meant more to us than we can easily put into words. We had worried the cancellation would feel like a letdown. Instead, you reminded us why we do this in the first place. Your grace, your patience, and your quiet understanding turned a difficult moment into something we'll always hold close.
To every single one of our registered participants: thank you. For signing up, for showing up, for believing in what Capy Strides stands for, and for trusting us when the road took an unexpected turn. This community is something special, and you are the reason for it.
A gentle reminder: the haze hasn't left us yet.
While the collection day brought us together safely, the air outside is still not where it should be. Please continue to stay vigilant. Keep your masks close, limit time outdoors when the haze is thick, drink plenty of water, and check in on those around you who may be more vulnerable. We know how tiring it can be to stay on guard, but a little extra care now goes a long way.
And we're holding onto hope.
We're already looking ahead to the next event by Tenacare, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the haze will have cleared by then. When the skies are clear and the air is safe, we'll be back, and we can't wait to walk alongside every one of you.
Until then, take good care of yourselves and each other. You've shown us exactly the kind of heart this event was always meant to celebrate.
With all our gratitude,
— The Capy Strides team, brought to you by TENACare+