Working, living and feeling fighting fit, Jaco Pretorius’ life was turned on its head when a seemingly ordinary dental abscess was found to be squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.

At the end of last year, Jaco spent countless hours in the dentist’s chair, resulting in repeated draining of the abscess, several rounds of antibiotics, and continued swelling and pain.

In February, the swelling in his cheek had increased, and, in a desperate attempt to finally deal with the chronic ailment, he sought a second opinion.

Delivering the devastating news, a specialist at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital informed him that the cancer had already spread, leaving the Benoni resident unable to speak or eat.

Despite needing urgent surgery, delays in the public health system meant Jaco was left waiting, in pain and unable to work.

Watching him wane away, his sister-in-law, Taryn Pretorius, reached out to East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand, in the hopes of garnering support and care.

“He was suffering so much, he did not have access to adequate pain management and he was fading away,” she recalls.

“Within hours of making contact with ERPC, one of the medical sisters arrived to meet with us. It was like a breath of fresh air. She explained the role and responsibilities of palliative care, setting our hearts as well as Jaco’s at ease.”

Care with a difference

In the months that followed, the ERPC team scheduled daily visits with Jaco, managing his pain, administering wound care and seeing to his overall comfort physically, mentally and emotionally.

“The team also showed us how to tend to his wound, ensuring that it is clean and properly dressed,” said Taryn.

“Their guidance stretched beyond his physical needs. They took the time to meet him on a personal level while offering us, his family, comfort and care. We were not alone.”

Reach out today

Looking back at their journey thus far, Taryn says anyone facing a life-threatening or life-limiting disease should enlist the services of ERPC as soon as possible.

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“Jaco’s quality of life has improved tremendously and he is in good spirits about the journey ahead,” she said.

“Home-based palliative care has been our saving grace. Their attentive and caring approach plays a vital role in boosting the morale of their patients and their families.”

Why his story matters

“Jaco’s journey is one of courage, but it also highlights the critical role palliative care plays,” said Jonquil Siepman, ERPC marketing and media liaison.

“While medical treatments and surgeries are essential, palliative care ensures that no one has to face a life-changing diagnosis alone. It is holistically centred on offering hope, compassion and comfort in times of uncertainty. Our services are about ensuring that those in our care can live with dignity.”

Support ERPC

For more than four decades, ERPC has provided home-based nursing, counselling and emotional support to patients and their families across the East Rand, walking beside them from the time of diagnosis.

As an NPO, the organisation relies on community involvement to ensure that each patient receives quality care.

“Every donation, volunteer hour and purchase from one of our 10 charity shops directly supports patient care and outreach programmes,” said Jonquil.

Achieving universal access to palliative care requires the support of the entire community.

Here’s how you can help:
• Donate quality, working pre-loved goods to one of the newly rebranded ERPC charity shops or shop to your heart’s content

• Give your time. Volunteer your skills to assist in the charity shops or year-round ERPC initiatives

• Spare a penny and make a financial donation

• Throw your name behind one of the organisation’s projects or sponsor patient-care programmes

• Sharing is caring. Share information about ERPC’s services and projects with family and friends

For more information, to make a donation, or to find your nearest charity shop, visit www.erpc.org.za or contact East Rand Palliative Care on 0114221531.

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