Share your heart with Hospice

IN the lead up to World Hospice Day on October 9, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to help Gisele Houpe, a cancer patient who is being cared for by Highway Hospice.

According to the organisation’s head of public relations, John Olds, Highway Hospice provides dignity and comfort to patients in need.

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“We are one of the oldest, most established non-profit organisations in Durban and our biggest message is that we still exist and are doing our work. Many people have this perception that we are closed. However, we are actually looking after more patients and, in these uncertain times, we are working harder than ever,” he said.

“Gisele is heading towards the end of a journey with cancer. Treatments and cures have failed and now, with the help of Highway Hospice, she is focusing on quality of life. A large part of this palliative care programme is the management of pain. In Gisele’s case, a constant need for morphine provides some kind of quality existence. Her positive attitude provides the rest, and that is beautiful to experience,” he said.

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Unlike many donor models, the Highway Hospice has a 2000 Club and donors stand a chance to win R20 000 by supporting patients like Houpe.

“This is a unique offering from Highway Hospice, structured with the National Lotteries Commission to offer donors a chance to win. It is such a special way to donate, exciting to know you are a winner anyway, just by supporting patients. Yet, you also stand a chance of winning a substantial amount of cash,” said Olds.

He noted that each win is special in its own right as some winners are desperately in need of the funds and, at times, people re-invest their winnings into the Hospice.

To support Gisele and Highway Hospice, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/help-gisele.