Cancer survivors empowered to help others

This meeting which aimed to spread information about breast cancer while celebrating those who have survived the ordeal of being diagnosed and treated for this kind of cancer, saw community supporters of these survivors gathering at the Catholic Church hall.

In addition to the high tea, which included information, a fashion show and performance, certificates were awarded to some members of the support group, who had undergone training, to help people diagnosed with cancer in the area.

Co-founder of Reach for Recovery Ekurhuleni Josey Mankonyana shared that about two months ago, they started assisting this support group to get back on its feet.

Also after seeing a need in the area, they opted to school some of the members of the group, so they can be able to provide counselling and education to breast cancer patients.

“This counselling will be done before and after a patient’s operations, the caregiver will also give practical and emotional support, supply patients with materials to help them during recovery, they will educate them on wound treatment and care and further administer temporal prosthesis or even those of silicone to people in need, if they can’t afford it.

“After having done this, their role is to encourage trainees to visit their survivors and encourage them to join a support group,” Mankonyana said.