GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — On Friday, 8 June, the Graaff-Reinet and District Cancer Association held its 43rd annual general meeting at Laer Volkskool's clubhouse, Die Kewertjie.
This was attended by over 80 members and guests who were privileged to hear the excellent guest speaker, Marianne Lourens, an oncology social worker of the Cancer Care Centre in Port Elizabeth give her address on 'The Cancer Journey'.
A breast cancer survivor herself, she has first-hand knowledge of coping with cancer. Her presentation was excellent and one could understand so much more of the emotional and practical aspects of the journey.
Liz Savage, the outgoing chairperson, presented a very thorough report on the activities of the Association.
It was explained that all members are volunteers who put into practice the aims of the organisation which are -
• To educate the public on cancer and the prevention thereof;
• To fundraise in order to assist patients with contributions towards their travelling expenses and accommodation when having to visit distant hospitals, supplying food parcels and food supplements, giving gifts of sleepwear and blankets and supplying tea eats at funerals and;
• To offer emotional assistance and counselling by professionals to patients and their families.
The treasurer, Christa Larson, gave the full financial report and elaborated on the very successful projects which had raised the necessary funds enabling the Association's goals to be achieved.
Here special mention was made of the annual Acacia Street Lights Project, the Spandau Pink Tea gathering, the Pink Trees for Pauline project and the Hyundai Caltex College Motors Goals for Cancer initiative, which are run by dedicated members of the public and whose donations allow so many cancer sufferers to benefit thus making their 'cancer journey' a little easier.
A new exciting project was also launched by Johan Sparrius who is planning the 'I can - Ek kan' Project which will involve either cycling, running or walking through the Camdeboo National Park on a date to be arranged in October.
The Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the public who continually support and partner them in so many ways and enable them to do what they can, while they can for those with this disease.
Any members of the public interested in getting involved with this association, are invited to phone Margie Parkes at 082 447 7637 or Hannatjie Pieterse at 049 892 3653.
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