Organ foundation celebrates 15 years
They remain vigilant in the community, always responding to the plight of those who fit the profile.
The West Rand Heart & Organ Transplant Foundation celebrated their 15th anniversary and handed over a cheque of R115 000 to Dr Susan Vosloo from the City Park Cardiac Trust during a gala dinner at Silverstar Casino.
Hundreds of friends, family members, colleagues, beneficiaries and the media came together to celebrate another successful year for the foundation.
When it comes to organ transplant and donation, one immediately grasps the understanding of the tragedy at the death of the donor and the pain and suffering of the surviving family as well as the possible fate of death of an organ recipient.
Very little is said, let alone understood about the organ recipient’s family and the resultant pain and suffering that they too, must endure.
On a personal level, this aspect was highlighted through the ordeal of the Warby family of Krugersdorp. They are the local wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable distributors and do more by sharing friendships and fellowship on a deep social and spiritual level with those around them.
Despite being beset by personal tragedy, this family remains stalwarts and pillars of the community of Krugersdorp, always giving of themselves and the “fruits” of their labour to the community.
In spite of their sound financial status, when both their boys were diagnosed with right ventricular dysplasia and cardio-myopathic arrhythmia, access to facilities that could help was limited owing to finances.
The framework and constitution of the West Rand Heart & Organ Transplant Foundation was established and in the true spirit and strength of the Warby family, the idea was floated to raise funds for persons far less fortunate.
The West Rand Heart & Organ Transplant Foundation was founded in 1999.
The aim of the West Rand Heart & Organ Transplant Foundation is to raise funds and ultimately distribute these in the true spirit of the cause. Their principle fundraiser is a gala dinner and golf day around October each year. It is attended by about 500 guests.
The sphere of influence has much to do with the overwhelming success of this activity. A large portion of the cash proceeds are pledged to the City Park Cardiac Trust at the Chris Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town and more recently the Wits Paediatric Fund, supporting the paediatric units at Johannesburg General Hospital, Baragwanath Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital and the Coronation Hospital.
Over the years the foundation was able to assist many patients.
They remain vigilant in the community, always responding to the plight of those who fit the profile. Over the years, through its fundraising and networking efforts, the foundation has touched the lives of countless recipients who have had the benefit of a new life.
For more photos of the gala event, visit the NEWS website at www.krugersdorpnews.co.za and click on the gallery section.
