Oncology department enjoys sandwiches and refreshments

The oncology unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Parktown is visited by members of the CanSurvive Cancer support group every Tuesday.

The CanSurvive Cancer support group founder Susan Elder said that every Tuesday the CanAssist Team together with  CanSurvive Cancer group  make sandwiches and tea for cancer patients and their families. She does this with the help of her family and donations from Pick n Pay and sponsors.

“We’ve been doing this for four years for the patients. I was inspired to offer my support and help to cancer patients after I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During a check-up, I told my husband at the time that we cannot come empty handed to the next one,” said Elder.

Stomach cancer patient Tapsol Nkomo has been getting treatment at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for over 10 months. Nkomo said he is happy with the support and delicious sandwiches provided by CanSurvive Cancer support group.

Rowena Kerr who was diagnosed with breast cancer has been getting treatment for over a year. ” The treatment we receive from nurses has been really good. I feel blessed that we have members from CanSurvive Cancer support group, we miss them when they are not around,” Kerr joked.

Cancer patients who are referred to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital from all over Johannesburg often have to travel long distances to get to the hospital. Lebohang Nyonyane said he accompanies his mom to get chemotherapy once a month on a Tuesday.

“We have to travel a long distance from Orange Farm in the early hours of the morning. At times we don’t get a chance to eat. We really appreciate the meal we get from CanSurvive Cancer support group which makes a big difference in our lives,” said Nyonyane.

Details: CanSurvive Cancer support group: Susan Elder, 079 317 3334.

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