A desire to reach more lives, prayers for guidance, and a single daisy were all that was needed to prompt Denise and Mike Heatlie, along with the late Yvonne Pinker, to establish what is now known as East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC).

Sitting in their family home, mere metres from what was formerly known as Hospice East Rand, Denise explained how the three LifeLine volunteer counsellors took a leap of faith to extend a greater hand of care to those battling life-threatening and life-limiting diseases, as well as their loved ones.

“It was the mid-80s, and through the LifeLine support centre we were receiving more and more calls from people diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and families seeking guidance on how to offer support or come to terms with their loss. At that stage, the nearest Hospice facility was in Johannesburg,” said Denise.

“A local organisation of this nature was desperately needed, and I felt like the Lord was calling us to take the first step.”

While attending a LifeLine conference, Denise found herself immersed in prayer.

“Although one should not test God, I asked the Lord that if He wanted me to be an instrument in offering vital support to the sick and needy, to give me a sign in the form of a flower,” she said, humbled as she recalled the moment she was called to greater service.

“The next morning, I walked into the conference venue and noticed a beautiful floral arrangement at the front; however, it was a single daisy that lay between my feet that took my breath away.”

In March 1986, with their counselling experience, Mike, Denise and Yvonne’s vision was simple – to offer emotional support.

“The journey of Hospice East Rand – now known as East Rand Palliative Care – started in a rent-free space in Ampthill Avenue, Benoni. The space was modest, the team volunteer-driven, and the foundation of the organisation was built on compassion,” said ERPC media liaison Jonquil Siepman.

“It, however, soon became clear that emotional support alone was not enough; medical care was needed in the form of symptom management.”

Local nursing sisters stepped forward without hesitation, volunteering their skills and knowledge. From the beginning, ERPC’s model was defined and remains unchanged, offering care at home.
For four decades, patients have been supported where they feel safest, in their own homes surrounded by those they love.

“We are grateful to have been part of establishing a holistic home-based care organisation to serve our community. God spoke, and we listened. This is not our legacy but a testament of God’s work and His endearing love for His children,” said Mike.

Volunteers are at the heart of its work
Palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity, pain and symptom control, as well as emotional and social wellbeing of patients, their care-givers as well as their loved ones.

“It is not reserved for the final days of life but begins at the time of diagnosis, and we walk alongside patients and their families throughout their journey,” said Siepman.

Today, East Rand Palliative Care provides home based nursing, symptom management, counselling, social work support and practical guidance for families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Siepman continued by saying that specialist health and wellness professionals are employed by the organisation, and volunteers remain at the heart of its work.

“Those who support patients, who serve in our charity shops and assist with fundraising events — their time keeps our services sustainable while community donations continue to provide comfort, care and presence in homes across the East Rand,” she said.

“As we mark the momentous anniversary, we honour those who built this foundation, the founders, early volunteers, nursing sisters and the staff members who have carried the responsibility across decades. This milestone is not only a reflection on the past, but the need for palliative care in our community remains significant. We remain committed to strengthening our services, reaching more families and continuing to walk beside those who need us most.”

ERPC’s promise remains unchanged – care with dignity standing beside the community when it matters most. For more information about ERPC, its services or how you can get involved, go to www.erpc.org.za or email info@erpc.org.za

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