67 ways to help combat cancer – Cansa
Cansa operates seven Cansa Care Homes across the country which are close to medical facilities and can house patients while they undergo treatment.
Regular commutes to medical facilities for treatment are unaffordable for some cancer patients and their families.
Others cannot meet the cost of essential home care and then some suffer in silence, not knowing that there are free counselling and support services available.
This is where the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) makes a significant difference to cancer patients, and it needs the public’s help to make its services available to more patients who cannot afford what it takes to get better.
‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’, is this year’s Cansa Mandela Day theme that focuses volunteers’ efforts into 67 minutes of service on July 18 each year – one minute for each of Nelson Mandela’s years of public service.
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For some, however, making a positive impact in people’s lives is a full-time job that continues throughout the year.
“Poverty and inequity cut across many areas including access to housing, education, fresh water, and health services.
“We see it all too often in the treatment of all types of cancers,” said Lisa Strydom, Cansa’s National Manager of Care and Support.
Cansa provides a wide range of services and support not only to cancer patients who can afford them but also to those who can’t.
One of the most important ways for a patient to recover from cancer is to have regular treatment at a medical facility.
Cansa operates seven Cansa Care Homes across the country which are close to medical facilities and can house patients while they undergo treatment.
At some homes, family members or caregivers can also be housed, provided there is space.
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“The care home staff and volunteers make a huge difference in many cancer patients’ lives,” said Gavin Kester, Cansa’s Care Homes service manager.
“We ensure patients receive and complete their cancer treatment, without having long daily commutes to treatment centres.”
Accommodation is available at a nominal rate where a patient’s income is considered to cater for those who cannot afford it.
The typical length of stay is six to eight weeks with the patients going home on weekends.
They have homes in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
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In addition to accommodation and meals for a nominal fee, each care home provides the following free of charge:
transport to and from treatment centres, a cancer information kit, individual counselling and support groups, and spiritual support provided by ministers from various denominations if the patient requests it.
Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walking aids and assistive devices, such as wigs and breast prostheses may be hired at reasonable fees or donations.
How you can help Cansa’s care homes to help others this Mandela Day
Donation of generators, JoJo water tanks, curtains, steam iron, fire alarm detection systems, gas heaters, bed comforter sets, floor tiles, paint, mattresses, pillows, air fryers, a large dishwasher and a smart TV.
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They can also use a new door frame, air conditioners, vehicle fuel, maintenance and service vouchers, humidifiers, new bath sheets, single bed linen and stationery.
They also need books, games, wool and knitting needles, furniture, including beds and lounge chairs and couches, crockery cutlery and glasses cleaning materials and supplies and donations of canned food and fresh produce as well as bathing supplies.
Cansa depends on individual donations and funds raised by the organisation.
To donate or get involved visit the care home’s web page or mail to gkester@cansa.org.za
