HACT helps patient find more to life
After just seven weeks of care at the one-site Respite Unit, one of its patients spoke about her journey and her future.
NONTE*, a 34-year-old patient who was admitted to the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s (HACT) 24-bed Respite Unit seven weeks ago, said she was grateful to be alive.
She is currently undergoing TB treatment for the fourth time in her young life. Nonte first found out she was HIV positive in 2012 when she fell gravely ill.
“Even after being so sick, I stopped taking my ARVs after just four months,” admitted Nonte. “As soon as I felt better and gained weight, I felt strong and started drinking again.”
Nonte confessed that she has a history of turning to the bottle when it came to dealing with life’s challenges.
“I first started drinking heavily after my mother died of AIDS 15 years ago. I was so young at the time, but drinking and partying with my friends was how I dealt with the pain and depression of losing her.”
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HACT counsellor, Thobheka Ntshangase has spent time with Nonte on a regular basis since her admission and has provided love, support and encouragement in an attempt to heal the psychological wounds she has carried for nearly two decades.
“My job is to ensure our patients don’t give up on themselves,” explained Thobheka. “Through counselling and education, I try to give them hope for a healthier and happier future.”
Nonte said Thobheka and the rest of the Respite Unit team have all been so kind to her since her admission.
“This place is so much like a home, I often forget I’m in a hospital! I’ve seen and watched the staff care for the patients and I’ve realised I have so much to be grateful for and to live for!”
Known as Othandweni (‘place of love’ in isiZulu), the Respite Unit provides free medical care and treatment to more than 200 children and adults each year who suffer from advanced stages of AIDS or cancer.
To make a once-off donation towards the Unit’s life-saving work, visit the non-profit organisation’s website at www.hilaids.org.za.
*Name has been changed to protect the patient’s identity.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
