Breast Buddies trained to help newly diagnosed patients
Pictured at the conclusion of the Cancer Buddies training course in October 2011 are, from left to right:
(Standing): Peter Hers (Chairman, PLWC Johannesburg); Happy Maphakela, Agnes Mosebekoa, Raynolda Makhutwe, Bev du Toit (PLWC, course lecturer), Lehlohonolo Mokgobo, Sibongile Manyama
(Seated) Itumeleng Letoaba
Pictured at the conclusion of the Cancer Buddies training course in October 2011 are, from left to right:
(Standing): Peter Hers (Chairman, PLWC Johannesburg); Happy Maphakela, Agnes Mosebekoa, Raynolda Makhutwe, Bev du Toit (PLWC, course lecturer), Lehlohonolo Mokgobo, Sibongile Manyama
(Seated) Itumeleng Letoaba
Six volunteers, all cancer survivors who received their treatment at Bara, have been trained as Cancer Buddies and have started providing support to patients at the Breast Clinic.
This initiative is a joint project between People Living with Cancer (PLWC) and BreastSens, an NGO dedicated to providing support to breast cancer patients [at Bara? In the public sector?] The training course was conducted by PLWC volunteers, with the encouragement and support of medical and nursing staff of the Breast Clinic at Bara.
Once over their treatment and on the road to recovery, many cancer patients have a desire to volunteer their services to help newly-diagnosed patients. PLWC provides a structured support system for cancer patients, based on cancer survivors who have been trained to provide first-line support. Every attempt is made to match patients with someone who has had a similar diagnosis, providing someone who will understand the specific challenges and be able to provide as much guidance as possible.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is the second largest hospital in the world, with 3 200 beds and 6 760 staff members. Bara is one of the 40 Gauteng provincial hospitals, and is financed and run by the Gauteng Provincial Health Authorities. It is a teaching hospital for the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School.
Ends
Enquiries:
Peter Hers 083 445 4634 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kwanele Asante-Shongwe 082 902 7929 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
