Cansa greets a stalwart

Cansa Roodepoort is saying goodbye to a stalwart this week, as Isabel Gomes bids a sad farewell to the organisation she has so faithfully served for more than 10 years.

During her time at Cansa, Isabel and her capable and dedicated team have helped hundreds of patients and their families deal with the harsh realities of cancer, offering a wide range of services, from emotional support and counselling to the checking of vitals, the translation of test results into layman’s speak and much more.

“It was extremely challenging but also very rewarding,” says Isabel. “Especially during and since the Covid pandemic, which resulted in the closure of many of the Cansa branches.

“We found ourselves travelling further and further to visit and support patients and their families, often late at night. We did everything that we could, but I have to admit it was not always easy.

“What I found most rewarding was walking a road with people. Most of the patients we dealt with became like family to us. We got to know their families and were able to help them through every step of their battle with the disease, often being there at the end to provide comfort and support.”

Isabel adds that while she will no longer be working for Cansa, she will still keep up her roles within the Discovery community.

“I’m making a career change,” she says. “But I will still be actively involved in the community through the Discovery Community Forum.

“My new role will still see me working closely with some of my colleagues at Cansa, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference.”