WATCH: A strong community can uplift the lives of cancer patients
With just under a week to go, Zululanders can experience the true essence of community by supporting cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers at Dr Jay Moodley’s annual cancer fundraiser, which promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Zululanders, it’s time to mark your calendars as specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Jay Moodley brings you her electrifying and exclusive Raising a Cup for Cancer high tea on Saturday, 17 October.
A fundraiser that celebrates survivorship, caregiving and the transformational power of community, Dr Jay speaks on the impact of unity in an informative Q&A with the ZO.
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Q: Beyond raising funds, what message do you hope the event sends to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers in the Zululand community?
A: You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.
I want patients, survivors and caregivers to know their community cares about them.
Cancer can be an incredibly lonely journey, and sometimes the caregiver quietly carries an enormous burden while everyone focuses on the patient.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s event?
A: Honestly, I am looking forward to seeing the community come together.
There is something incredibly special about seeing people who may never normally cross paths sitting around the same table for the same purpose.
But most of all, I am looking forward to knowing that the afternoon will make a meaningful difference to someone who needs support.
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Q: If you could give the Zululand community one message about cancer prevention, screening and support, what would it be?
A: Don’t wait for symptoms to give you permission to look after yourself.
Many cancers are more treatable when detected early, and some can actually be prevented or detected before they become invasive.
Know your family history, understand which screenings are appropriate for you, have recommended vaccinations, and don’t ignore changes in your body.
And if someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, don’t disappear because you don’t know what to say.
Sometimes simply saying, “I’m here, and we’ll walk this journey with you,” is enough.
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Community
Q: How important is it to have accessible cancer prevention services within the public healthcare system?
A: It is absolutely essential.
Cancer prevention should not depend on where someone lives or whether they can afford private healthcare.
In a region like Zululand, geography can be a significant barrier. Women may have to travel considerable distances for specialist services, sometimes using public transport or relying on someone else to take them.
Accessible prevention and early-detection services can change outcomes dramatically.
As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to work together across the public and private sectors and find ways to bring services closer to the communities that need them.
Up close with Dr Jay
Q: What is one of the biggest lessons life has taught you?
A: You don’t have to wait for permission to make a difference.
If you see a need, sometimes you simply have to start.
You may not have all the resources, all the answers or a perfect plan, but if your intention is right, take the first step. Other people often join you along the way.
Many of the initiatives I am most proud of started with a simple thought: “Surely we can do something about this.”
Q: After all is said and done, what do you hope people will remember you for?
A: I hope people remember me as someone who cared.
Not just as a doctor who treated illnesses, but as a woman who tried to make healthcare more accessible, who advocated for women, who opened doors where there weren’t doors before, and who believed that our community deserved more.
I hope the women I have encountered remember they were listened to, respected and cared for.
And if, somewhere along the way, I have inspired another woman or girl to believe she can break a barrier, pursue her dream, use her voice and make a difference, I think that would be a beautiful legacy.
Ultimately, I don’t want to be remembered simply for what I achieved.
I want to be remembered for how I made people feel — and for the lives I was able to touch along the way.
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Event details
• Date: Saturday, 17 October
• Time: 1pm
• Venue: Covenant Fellowship Church, Richards Bay
• Theme: Feathers and Fine Tea with a Touch of Mardi Gras
• Tickets: R250 per person from Dr Jayeshnee Moodley’s rooms at Melomed Hospital, Suite 107
• Contact: Dr Jayeshnee Moodley’s rooms on 035 7721581
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