Reach for Recovery opens satellite branch in Limpopo
Reach for Recovery expands to Limpopo, supporting breast cancer patients with prostheses, emotional aid, and community.
POLOKWANE – In recognition of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Reach for Recovery initiative launched its first satellite branch in Limpopo, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s mission to provide practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families.
The launch took place on Saturday at the Limpopo Care and Wellness Centre (Lim-CareWell), in partnership with Theunis Fichardt Hospitium. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s work through volunteer testimonies and participated in a breast examination tutorial.
Reach for Recovery was first established in 1953 by Terese Lasser, a breast cancer survivor from the US, who saw the importance of peer support. Fourteen years later, the initiative took root in South Africa, with survivors offering support to newly diagnosed women.
The organisation’s Ditto Project is a key focus, helping women from low-income groups who have undergone mastectomies and cannot afford a prosthesis, special bra, or reconstructive surgery. The project, primarily funded by the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (Samfa), provides high-quality silicone prostheses for a minimal fee to women in state care. Eligibility for the project requires patients to present a valid hospital registration card.
In addition to state care, Reach for Recovery extends its support to marginalised communities, ensuring women without medical aid can also access these essential prostheses. Fittings are conducted at regional offices and clinics across the country.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the initiative by visiting patients in hospitals, offering encouragement, and providing goody bags with essential items. New volunteers receive specialised training to learn how to engage patients with care and empathy.
Those interested in volunteering or making donations can contact Mercia Warmenhoven at 082 825 4031.
With the launch of its Limpopo branch, Reach for Recovery continues to expand its impact, giving breast cancer survivors hope, dignity, and a supportive community to lean on.
