The Rotary Anns of Rotary Benoni Van Ryn recently held a high tea at Rynpark Retirement Village to honour those who diligently work towards ‘knitting knockers’ for breast cancer patients, for post-operative care.
The knitted knockers are knitted bundles that resemble a breast that can be used by patients to replace the breast/s that were removed due to cancer and was an initiative that began abroad.
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President of the Anns Shelly Bent said she was grateful to the Anns and Rynpark members for all their dedication and hard work to the cause.
Over 350 knitted knockers, which are available in various sizes as well as body tones, were donated to facilities such as the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for patients who otherwise cannot afford premium health care.
Also donated to the patients was a care pack that includes a cushion for the wound from the operation, a beanie and other care items.
A message of hope is also included in the care pack.
Ann Smith of Rotary Benoni Van Ryn, who heads up the knitted knockers project, was greatly moved by all the support her team received via donations and dedication and said since the inception of the project, over 2 500 units have been delivered to three hospitals.
She added that she was especially grateful for knitting done by Rynpark members Frida Mason (98) and Phyllis Carrick (95).
Special guest at the event Dr Sarah Nietz, who specialises in breast surgery at an oncology centre in Sandton, said the knitted knockers go a long way in comfort, care and confidence for cancer patients.
She said patients sometimes experience a drop in their confidence when their breasts are removed and that the knockers help to make the patients feel normal again.
Nietz further provided insights into breast cancer awareness in South Africa and pointed out that little to few treatment facilities are available to the majority of the public.
She indicated that provinces such as Limpopo have no surgeons available for breast cancer surgery while Gauteng has a total of just three specialised breast cancer facilities available.
Nietz also debunked a few myths for those in attendance and thanked the members and those present for their positive contribution to quality health care.
