#GiveYourBraForBreastCancer to help breast cancer survivors
PARKTOWN – For every bra donated, Roche will give R10 to Reach for Recovery to help them purchase mastectomy bras for breast cancer survivors.
Community members are encouraged to make a difference for breast cancer survivors this October by donating their pre-loved bras at collection boxes at the Wits Donald Gordon Oncology Unit in Parktown.
For every pre-loved bra donated, Roche pharmaceutical company will donate R10 to the Reach for a Recovery drive to purchase mastectomy bras for breast cancer survivors who cannot afford them.
Reach for Recovery is an international non-profit organisation aimed at providing support for breast cancer patients and their families. They support 5 000 patients every year with the assistance of 210 volunteers.
Stephne Jacob of Reach for Recovery said, “A mastectomy can take a serious emotional toll on women, affecting their self-esteem. But over time, women can learn to love themselves again and feel as womanly as before.”
Jacob added that many women could not afford to pay between R811 and R951 for a silicone breast prosthesis, let alone afford a mastectomy bra.
Since 2011, Reach for Recovery has given 6 523 breast prosthesis to women who could not afford them.
“When women get their new prosthesis they say, ‘I never thought I would ever look the same again’ and cry when they look in the mirror and see themselves with the prosthesis,” said Jacob.
Medical officer at Roche South Africa Dr Nicholas Mangeya said, “I hope the Reach for Recovery initiative will go a long way in helping breast cancer survivors to live a full life.”
A breast cancer survivor of 17 years Minah Sookane said thanks to Reach for Recovery, her perspective on breast cancer had changed from seeing herself as a victim to a survivor.
“This initiative is a breakthrough. I will sleep well knowing that women will be whole again,” said Sookane.
Reach for Recovery aims to receive 10 000 pre-loved bras through this drive which lasts until 14 November.
Medical oncologist at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Dr Devan Moodley described breast cancer as the most common form of cancer he had treated.
“Many women present with cancer at an advanced stage because they don’t examine their breasts enough,” said Moodley.
“Early detection saves lives. Picking it up early means that you do not have to lose your breast,” he said.
Moodley recommends that all women conduct a self-examination every 30 days to assess if there are any problems. “If there is something funny, get it checked out,” he added.
Details: www.reachforrecovery.org.za
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