The Cansa Keurboom Care Home is a sanctuary for cancer patients going through treatment.
Keurboom was established in 1975 by the Rotary Club in Johannesburg.
There was a need for a place where patients could go to while receiving treatment for cancer – be it radio- or chemotherapy.
Rotary purchased the house along Main Road in Belgravia, which is a historical building. It was built in the late 1800s and during the early 1900s it was the official place of residence for the Netherlands Ambassador in South Africa.
The house takes up a complete block – Main, Scott, Princess and Priscilla roads surround the property.
A double storey wing with full ablutions and 10 bedrooms were added, which can house up to 20 patients at a time.
According to the chairperson of the Liaison Committee, Mrs Sandi Van Tonder, the home is facing a difficult time financially.
“At present, Keurboom accommodates an average of 25 patients at a time with a maximum intake of 30 patients. Most of the patients are not employed due to their illness and are unable to pay more than R200 per week for their stay.
“The cost to run Keurboom is R1 500 000 per year and without any funding from government at the moment, it is difficult. There are salaries, insurance, fuel and vehicle maintenance, food, electricity, telephone and home maintenance to be paid on a monthly basis. This is costly,” said Mrs Van Tonder.
She said fundraising via the Shavathon, Relay for Life, Cuppas and Jail & Bail events contributes financially but it does not meet all the financial needs.
“Any donation, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated. In order to keep this amazing place of refuge going for cancer patients, it would be amazing if companies would come forward to assist in the running of this home which really is a haven for patients living outside of the Johannesburg CBD,” said Mrs Van Tonder. Keurboom accommodates patients for two to eight weeks at a time.
The patients stay at the home from Monday to Friday and receive treatment at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
They are taken to and from the hospital on a daily basis.
Patients receive three balanced meals per day and the meals are adapted to the medical needs of the patient.
The home has six caregivers who do the cooking, laundry and maintenance of the facilities.
“If there are businesses or individuals who would like to be involved in any way, it would be appreciated,” said Mrs van Tonder.
Contact Mrs Van Tonder at sandivantonder@gmail.com if you are interested in helping, or if you need more information on how you can assist.
Alternatively, contact Johanna Francis on 011 624-1765 or send an email to jfrancis@cansa.org.za
