Support the Zululand Hospice morning tea this Saturday

There are still seats available for the Zululand Hospice Association’s morning tea fundraiser and commemoration of National Hospice Week, which runs from 4 to 9 May.

The morning tea is set to be held this Saturday, 10 May from 10am to 1pm at the association’s premises at 18 Turnbull Street, Empangeni.

The event promises to be informative and educational, with Queen Nandi Hospital doctors Dr Pam Ntshangase and Dr Samantha Singh speaking on the topic of cancer in women.

“Female cancers can be detected early by the patients themselves – breast examinations, discharge, pain, loss of appetite, and so on,” said Zululand Hospice GM Christine Samuel.

“Our guest speakers want to spread the self-care, self-awareness message with women, as well as all the latest tests and treatments that are available.

“Cancer in women is prevalent, accounting for 80% of the cancer patients we, as Hospice, care for. The sad thing about this is that most of these cancers can be treated with success if detected early and treatment beginning soon after diagnosis.

“This is often not the case – the public sector has long waiting periods between test results and start of treatment, whether it be operations or chemo,” she said.

Hospice decided to create an opportunity for women to learn more about female cancers in a relaxed atmosphere from medical practitioners who work with women fighting this terrible disease daily.

“No matter your age, your status of health, you interact with women in your workplace, family, friends, and on the sports field – so those who attend can share the message out there as well,” continued Samuel.

“Too many women still suffer from stage 4 cancer because of either ignorance or being scared to go for early detection tests.

“The morning is a relaxed get together of ladies to interact with the medical practitioners, have tea and treats, and also find out how Hospice can support during cancer treatment.

“Hospice not only soothes pain and symptom relief for a patient, but also supports and educates the family that become home carers to their loved ones.

“When a woman is sick, the husband is often ‘lost’ in his grief over his loved one, that’s when a Hospice visit with an ear and shoulder becomes a crutch.

“Cancer patients have good and bad days, and it’s during the bad days that we are needed most,” said Samuel.

Tickets cost R100 per person and R800 per table. To book your ticket, contact Zululand Hospice fundraiser Engela Borlase on 073 2384382.

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