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Does this make Sense to You?

“Modern medical advances have helped millions
of people live longer healthier lives.
We owe these improvements to decades of
investment in medical research.”
(Ike Skelton)

Hello Friend

I know nothing about Ike Skelton, but his statement, above, makes absolute sense to me (and I believe, also to you).

My belief is further confirmed by the fact that CANSA friends, like you, have supported investment in cancer research for the 90 years of our organisation’s existence.

This deserves a very sincere ‘thank you’.

The scope of cancer research is vast. But I’d like to share with you some information about just one aspect – colorectal cancer.

According to South African statistics, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer, and the sixth most lethal.

This certainly deserves ongoing research into some of the most obvious areas below: Cause and prevention; interventions that may lower risk; new ways of screening; new treatments; testing effectiveness of treatments and disease progression and outcomes.

It can happen that the outcome of colorectal cancer will include the need for a stoma (a Greek word meaning mouth or opening), and the use of an ostomy bag to replace natural waste elimination. This means that ongoing research into stomatherapy is also essential.

Your kindness and donations made online here already help us support stoma patients with advice, counselling, coping skills, and access to ostomy products – but more and better is always the goal that you share with us.

Hannelie Swart began her extreme journey with cancer in 2014 with surgery. In 2015, more tumours were discovered. And in May 2016, shocked and terrified, Hannelie underwent radical surgery which removed all her pelvic organs (a pelvic exenteration). Two stomas with pouches replaced her bowel and bladder.

The physical and emotional impact was severe. As was learning to live with and manage the stomas.

But wonderful people, and a CANSA stoma therapist were there for Hannelie – plus she’s a fighter with a deep faith. And she’s quick with her gratitude in saying, “I had amazing support, and if it wasn’t for these angels in my life, I wouldn’t have made it”.

Obviously, if stoma research can bring about any improvements for Hannelie, and other stoma patients, it will be a great blessing. Meanwhile, Hannelie has become a CANSA volunteer to support other cancer survivors.

When I began this letter to you, I said that I imagined that you would share my belief in investment in research.

If that is true, are you willing to click here now to send your donation – towards research?

Whatever you can manage to give will make a difference – a difference that will touch the lives of many cancer patients in the future.

Please will you be as generous as you possibly can be by clicking here now, because every donation, big or small, will help. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,
Elize Joubert
Chief Executive Officer

CANSA is proud to be partnering with Maroela Media for our 90th Anniversary Celebrations.

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