The oncology department at the Netcare Olivedale Hospital hosted a Valentine’s Day event for cancer patients and survivors on 12 February.
The Valentine’s event was attended by family members and representatives from different organisations such as Wings of Hope Cancer Support , Dischem and Cipla who were there to offer their support to cancer patients.
Shona Cafetzoglou, BioNike specialised product co-ordinator for Dischem, said that they came to offer support and spoil patients on Valentine’s Day.
“We compiled a gift box with goodies and also offered hand massages for the cancer patients to help them relax. We want them to enjoy the day and their surroundings during the Valentine’s Day event,” said Cafetzoglou.
Wings of Hope Cancer Support had a stall where they sold beautiful items to raise funds for their organisation. All the tables were beautifully decorated by the Oncology Department where a variety of delicious food was offered.
Cipla oncology representative Annanda Kilmartin said Cipla has a variety of chemotherapy drugs that they retail to doctors who then decide which products they will use to treat cancer patients.
” I came here today to offer my support to the cancer patients, to encourage them to have a fun day and not only focus on cancer. I usually visit the oncology unit weekly to provide patients with manicures and pedicures when they allowed me to do so. Sometimes they even forget that they are there to receive treatment and look forward to being pampered,” joked Kilmartin.
Netcare Olivedale Hospital radiation unit manager Louise de Swart expressed that the oncology department is proud of the courage and strength the patients have shown and she is proud of them.
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