Portable oxygen machine for cancer patient

The collaboration between one woman and Zimbali Rotary has changed the life of a Ballito man.
Last Wednesday, Jaimé Ernst presented cancer patient Keith Murray a portable oxygen machine.
Due to cancer Murry’s oesophagus has been removed, forcing him to breathe through his neck, rather than his mouth and nose.
Murray’s condition means he needs always to be near an oxygen machine, but until now, he has had to rely on a bulky, immobile one.
“With this, I can go anywhere. I can go on holiday and not have to worry. It will change my life,” said Murray.
Ernst provides a free intensive care service, the Cancer Support Network, to people suffering from cancer.
To date she has been in touch with over 500 families, providing care and counselling.
Ernst got the machine by raising funds in collaboration with Zimbali Rotary over the festive season, selling Christmas tree stars in memory of people who had passed away due to cancer. The Ballito community came to the party, and 1000 stars were purchased, changing Murray’s life.
Ernst is herself a cancer survivor, and having gone into remission, she offers professional support to others facing the disease as well as helping families with their grief. The service is funded purely by donations, and Ernst helps fund it with her own business.
The Cancer Support Network is always available. You can get hold of Ernst on 032-9460831 or on 082 4422 080.