Joburg organisation support breast cancer patients in Soweto

The Reach for Recovery volunteers (RR) from the Ditto Team, based in the south of Johannesburg, dedicated their 67 minutes of service to support breast cancer patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

RR provides crucial support to breast cancer patients and their families, empowering them to make educated decisions and find motivation to heal while preserving the best possible quality of life.

A representative of RR, Emerald van Wyk, told Soweto Urban that their volunteers are all breast cancer survivors themselves.

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She explained that in addition to going through a training programme with both theoretical and practical components, they are closely observed during their whole service.

Bessie Tselapedi, Chairperson of RR in Gauteng has established a close rapport with the hospital’s medical staff, ensuring that all operations follow the required procedures.

Van Wyk said the day began in high spirits and active participation from everyone involved, citing that their first stop was the chemotherapy ward, where patients were treated to meals and gift bags.

Excitement, happiness and laughter filled the room, offering a little reprieve from their treatments.

With the knowledge that they had improved the patients’ lives, the RR volunteers felt inspired as they departed the ward, she added.

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“The team then visited the breast cancer ward where they presented recently operated patients with gift bags, creating an atmosphere of gratitude and love.

“Their final stop was the paediatrics ward, where they spent time with young patients and distributed warm clothes.

“The day concluded with a sense of accomplishment and renewed motivation among the volunteers, reinforcing their commitment to continue serving and supporting the community,” said van Wyk.