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New Year, New Opportunities

#CANSACares

Hello Friend

A new year is a clean page on which to write our stories. They can be new stories, or the continuation of ongoing stories, but the start of 2022 brings with it many opportunities.

Having weathered the two- year COVID-19 storm, as South Africans we can be fulfilled by the ways in which we’ve overcome the difficulties that came with the pandemic. We can build on the greater sense of family and community that emerged from the worst of times. We can look forward with confidence to whatever this year brings to us.

As part of our CANSA family and community, we wish you only the very best in this new year. May you be healthy. May you be happy. May you know many blessings. May you prosper. And may you be rewarded for the goodness of your generosity and kindness towards others.

Elize Joubert
Chief Executive Officer

You’re appreciated more than words can say

Your commitment to care and generosity in so many ways towards individuals and families living with cancer is appreciated more than words can say – but all we have is words. And we’d like to share some of these with you.

From Andre, Francina and Dominique after their stay at CANSA Tipuana Care Home:

“Seldom does one find, much less expect a ‘home away from home’ and even less so when undergoing cancer treatment. Tipuana’s helpful and understanding staff, nutritious meals, proximity to amenities and lovely accommodation all make one feel truly ‘at home’. My deepest and most sincere thanks.”

“I came to Tipuana like a frightened puppy, and the loving reception was so unexpected that it reduced me to tears. I couldn't have asked for better friends at the time. Their helpfulness and the way they listened took away my fear. May God bless everyone at Tipuana Care Home.”

“Who would think that there could be an up-side to the most traumatic time in one’s life? Everyone at Tipuana makes the time of cancer treatment a positive journey. They have my grateful thanks and respect for what they do.”

Other messages of appreciation:

“You didn’t know us, but within minutes you helped with a wheelchair, hospital bed, sheepskin and special mattress. You made us feel like family.”

“The tele-counselling was extremely helpful. I wouldn’t have been able to process my grief without it.”

“I wouldn’t want to imagine where we would be without CANSA’s help from day one.”

“You provide love and hope throughout the cancer journey.”

Support like yours makes so many different kinds of help possible. ‘Thank you’ – these two little words are sincerely and eternally meant.

*All photos taken pre-COVID

How your gifts help provide stoma support

Stoma – a Greek word meaning mouth or opening. In the medical field, a stoma is an artificial opening or passageway a surgeon makes into the digestive or urinary tracts for the purpose of eliminating waste from the body.

A stoma can be temporary or permanent after a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, and is a bag which has a deodorising filter to collect the waste matter.

Moving from normal bodily functions to a stoma can be a major adjustment for anyone and both initial ongoing advice and support are often required. The CANSA helpline and support groups can be a lifeline in these circumstances. We also stock stoma products at reduced prices.

Your donations to CANSA help in so many ways. Stoma support is just one of the ways, and for stoma patients who benefit from your kindness it’s a significant one.

Thank you for this special caring that your donations provide.

From J A and S F Pretorius: “We would like to convey our appreciation for the professional service and access to our stoma equipment.”

From Joyce: “I had the operation in June 2008, and have had the stoma since then. I’ve had excellent stoma service from CANSA, and there’s always somebody to help with questions and any problems that I might have.”

’We love you so much’

This heartfelt expression came with this message on our Facebook page:

“I would like to thank Zodwa Sithole. I don’t know where we would be if it was not for her.

“My brother had lost all hope, but this angel came into our lives to show that although we had never met she would ensure that he got all the help he needed.

“You brought hope into our family, Zodwa Sithole. May you continue helping other people.”

Zodwa Sithole

Because friends like you support CANSA, Zodwa is just one staff member who is present to offer help to cancer patients and their families. We thank you for your partnership.

Why be a volunteer?

This was the question we asked of a lady who called in with a request to become an advocacy volunteer.

Her reply was that in listening to Zodwa Sithole on Roche Life Talk she was inspired to bring information to people in disadvantaged circumstances. Her heart is for the rural parts of South Africa. And being passionate about empowering those who are marginalised, she would value the opportunity to reach out, especially to rural women.

There are many reasons why we value our volunteers, and we would like to take this opportunity to sing their praises and to thank them for what they do.

As a volunteer you give of yourself – a really precious gift.

Mario du Toit

How 40 Bibis Turned Into 64

Turning 40 isn’t too old to have a toy on your gift wish list!

This was the decision of Mario du Toit from the Vaal Triangle who wanted to celebrate his milestone 40th birthday in a different way by asking for 40 Bibis.

If you’ve never encountered a Bibi, it’s a giraffe shaped bed buddy which relieves pressure that can turn into sores when a child has long periods of being confined to bed.

Enthusiasm for Mario’s wonderful idea grew beyond 40 to a total of 64 Bibis being made for the occasion by Odette Koch and her Bibi Hearts team. And they were handed out to happy kids at Mario’s birthday outreach last September, making it a day to remember.

Many of us already have so much, that giving joy to others is a truly rewarding way to celebrate a special occasion. For more on this opportunity, go online to CANSA TLC on cansa.org.za

Carin shares her story with you

On the threshold of her thirties, Carin was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer.

Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape became her second home as she underwent surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. And morphine became her companion in controlling the pain.

There were times when Carin felt that all was lost, but she clung on to this piece of Biblical scripture: ‘With God all things are possible’. And the CANSA support group kept her going in the sharing of experiences and hope to where she is now – living her life again.

The cancer journey is one that nobody should have to do alone. We are here to help in many different ways. You contribute greatly with your gifts of support and encouragement – for which we can never thank you enough. And the human spirit endures with the gifts of faith, hope and love.

Carin

Your place in our hearts

Every single CANSA supporter has a special place in our hearts, no matter what their contribution may be. Some of our supporters ‘go without’ in order to give and are our unsung heroes. Whilst others have greater opportunities for generosity, and here we’d like to introduce you to a few of these people who are your partners in caring:

Leading the way

Supporters of CANSA Nicus TLC Lodge for a number of years, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon Dr Herman Kluge and Mrs Naomi Kluge were amongst the first to respond to the need for first aid travelling support kits for paediatric oncology families.

These kits were part of our year-end outreach, starting with a hundred children at Nicus Lodge in Pretoria.

But the need is ongoing, and if you’d like to join Dr and Mrs Kluge in sponsoring a first aid kit for a child in South Africa diagnosed with cancer, please contact Vera van Dalen by e-mail at: [email protected]

Your kindness will go a long way. Thank you.

Basil Synodinos

Honouring Basil Synodinos

Basil is the owner of President Hyper in Fochville, Krugersdorp and Vereeniging, and has been a CANSA supporter for over 25 years.

Basil donated the building for the first fully functioning CANSA Care Centre in Fochville in 1996. And over the years he’s supported all our national projects by sponsoring venues or donating food.

When the Fochville Care Centre had to be relocated, Basil built a new facility, also covering utility, security and telephone costs. Then when COVID struck with its limitations, Basil came to the rescue again, allowing us to continue cancer screening and continue with early detection programmes.

David Lucas

David Lucas – role model and leader volunteer

David is a prostate cancer survivor, and has been a dedicated CANSA supporter in Gauteng for over a decade.

A former Unit Council Chairperson for six years, David views his role as a CANSA ambassador as the opportunity to educate others about prostate cancer by sharing his personal story. His mission is to encourage men to get screened regularly.

We’re truly grateful for David’s help with media interviews and at many events and talks promoting the CANSA cause.

David’s 60th birthday was also celebrated by his family and friends making donations to help those living with cancer.

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

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