Resolution Circle together with various cancer awareness organisations wrapped trees along Setperk Street in Randburg in bright pink on 15 October to enhance cancer awareness in the community.
Resolution Circle’s hosting and events manager Lynn Kruger said the occasion is of utmost importance.
“This is a tribute to people who have been affected in any way by all types of cancer and not just women cancers,” she said.
Tandelina Clark, who was covering trees in pink said, “I really believe that if we do enough awareness in the community we will be able to prevent a lot of deaths and struggle because prevention is better than cure.”
Ntokozo Dludla is a breast cancer survivor and supports the initiative taken by the Pink Trees for Pauline project.
“I want to support those who have been diagnosed and are going through treatment and families because we forget them and to show support and education awareness,” said Dludla.
Mametse Mashalane said, “I am supporting cancer awareness and letting others know that we care and we can fight this together.”
According to the Pink Trees for Pauline website, when this non-profit organisation was founded, one woman’s dream became a larger-than-life project which astounds every day.
Carol-Ann van Jaarsveld took the legacy of her mother and grandmother and turned it into an epic tale of hope, encouragement and belonging.
Carol-Ann lost her mother and her grandmother, both named Pauline, to cancer. She acted on her dream to communicate the legacy of these two women, who both played significant roles in her life, and made it a reality in her hometown Graaff-Reinet.
To raise cancer awareness, all the trees along the roads in Graaff-Reinet were wrapped in pink material.
Then in 2012, Carol-Ann van Jaarsveld, Adri van Nieuwenhuizen – a breast cancer survivor – and Dr Pam Kerr – an educational psychologist – officially founded Pink Trees for Pauline.
The vision Carol-Ann once had is now the driving force of many people who are wrapping South Africa and Namibia in pink to signify new life during and after cancer.
Of all funds raised, 80 per cent will be used in aid of improving the quality of life of those living with cancer within the participating towns. To this end, the funds will be used in the following way:
- Accommodation during cancer treatment
- Home nursing
- Feeding schemes for cancer-affected patients
- Training cancer-buddies
- Social worker training
- Supplying of wigs or prosthesis or wheelchairs
- Playpens or toys for children in hospitals
- Transport needs
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), 90 per cent of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and exercise.
The appalling statistics further show that about 100 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year and the South African survival rate is six out of ten. Additionally, one in four South Africans is affected by cancer through diagnosis of family, friends or self.
Details: Lynn Kruger 083 647 0730.
