‘Angels of compassion’ observe World Cancer Day at Verulam Hospice
The programme included many speakers, who emphasised the need for everyone to play an integral part in this battle.
The Verulam Regional Hospice Association recently commemorated World Cancer Day to remember those who have passed on from the dreaded illness, to celebrate those in remission and to support the fighters.
Chairperson of the Verulam Regional Hospice, Nova Chetty, said in his opening address, that the day also honoured the strength, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that defines the human journey in the face of adversity.
The programme included many speakers, who emphasised the need for everyone to play an integral part in this battle.
Dr Bisram, a volunteer doctor at the hospice, said, “The theme for this year is ‘Close the Care Gap’, which calls on the government and members of communities to close the gap in the fight against cancer. Cancer patients in South Africa face an uphill battle as most rely on the public health-care system where diagnostic and radiation equipment is in short supply and standards of care vary from hospital to hospital. Sadly, only five of the nine provinces offer specialised cancer care in public hospitals, in South Africa.”
Dr Bisram also went on to say that cancer needed a multi-disciplinary approach. This was further emphasised by physiotherapist, Deanka Pillay, who emphasised that physiotherapy helps with the negative side effects of cancer treatment and increases the quality of life of the patients.
Homashni Peters, a qualified social worker, underscored an integrated approach and pleaded for schools to start educating pupils on the key causes of cancer.
Peters also encouraged the community to support organisations such as the Verulam Regional Hospice Association, which selflessly offers care, compassion, and love to its patients and their families.
A pivotal part of the programme was a testimony by eloquent and elegant 75-year-old cancer patient, Sunbagaveli Naidoo, a fierce warrior, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at the age of 64.
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However, the diagnosis of stage four cancer did not stump her. She continued working after her mastectomy in 2012 even while receiving chemotherapy.
In 2014, she discovered cancerous lumps in her chest and was administered oral chemotherapy. In 2019, the doctors discovered spots of concern in her lungs and as medical aid did not approve the oral chemotherapy, she decided to leave the fight in the hands of God.
“It’s now 2024 and my yearly scans are miraculously clear. She thanked her support system at home and at work, and the Hospice for opening up a world of possibilities, creating a platform to talk to others who are also fighting a great battle and forging bonds with a group of people who serve with love. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that the human spirit is capable of astonishing resilience. Cancer may have invaded my body, but it will never define my spirit. I am not merely a patient. I am a warrior, facing each day with courage, gratitude, and an unwavering determination to live life to the fullest,” Naidoo said.
Her emotionally charged address inspired hope as her testimony revealed that even on the darkest of days if one clings to the belief that tomorrow holds the promise of a brighter dawn, then tomorrow would come.
The Verulam Regional Hospice Association can be reached on 032 533-2764 for anyone seeking advice or wanting to donate towards sustaining the quality palliative care that the organisation is renowned for.
