CANSA at 95yrs - Building for the Future

It takes vision, purpose, commitment and dedication for an organisation to exist for 95 years. CANSA staff and volunteers over the years have played an incredible role in providing care and support to cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones.

At CANSA we recognise that the achievements over these 95 years could not have been attained without your generosity and support. Every donor who has supported the care of cancer patients, their caregivers and loved ones has enabled sustainable, practical support to those affected by cancer.

These are some of the lives you have touched…

Donovan

When you first were introduced to Donovan at the end of last year, you learned that he had experienced sore legs and struggled to walk, during his first month in Grade R.

His pain increased, his lymph glands were swollen and he bruised very easily. After a clinic visit, he was referred to Kalafong Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow). He was then referred to Steve Biko Hospital where he was to receive intensive chemotherapy. The first two days were scary and filled with needles, but then, thanks to CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge and support from donors, he was able to receive a Broviac.

A Broviac is a surgically placed soft line into a vein in a young patient’s chest. This enables medical staff to draw blood on numerous occasions, without constantly having to use needles to draw blood. As you can appreciate and we shared previously, this brought him great relief, and treatment was easier to bear.

Now after a bone marrow transplant, Donovan is 9 years old and has rung the bell to indicate the end of treatment.  This spontaneous young boy is now fully recovered and loving school and building his Lego. Thank you for being there for him.

Cliché

You will also recall that your support helped a four year old girl, Cliché, known fondly as ‘the dancing queen’ because of her love of dancing at our CANSA TLC Tygerberg Lodge. Like Donovan, she was also diagnosed with Leukaemia and needed chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Your support meant that she too could receive a Broviac catheter, prompting her to say, “thank you for no more needles…”

Here is a word of thanks from Cliché’s mother, Hazel:

For nine months our lives revolved around chemotherapy, needles, hospital beds and prayers.  Then came the big news, Cliché needed a bone marrow transplant.  But we were given a bigger blessing – I was the perfect match,  I could be her donor.

In February I lay on an operating table and gave my stem cells to my child.  It was the most frightening, yet the most beautiful moment of my life.  And in March we heard the words that we’d been praying for: 'the transplant was successful'. We returned every month for follow-up visits to monitor her counts. 

Some days I feel strong.  Other days I just want to curl up on the floor and cry.  But then I look at her – she is the reason I never give up.  My stem cells are flowing through her little body.  I gave her life twice.  What greater privilege could there be?

To the mother or father who has also received the diagnosis:  I know your world has just fallen apart.  Cry.  Scream.  Be afraid.  But then know this: you are stronger than you think. Your child is braver than you think...

We’re not finished with this journey yet. But today Cliché’ is alive. And as long as she is breathing, I have hope.

When we arrived at the CANSA TLC Tygerberg Lodge, we didn't know anyone.  Everything was strange and scary, but the more time we spent at Tygerberg Hospital, the more we realized CANSA was there to help.

They gave us a bed, and they offered this very safe space.  The team there became special as they understood what we were going through, and they made us feel so comfortable.

When it was Cliche's birthday, Anthea (CANSA TLC Tygerberg Coordinator)  made the day special for her.

CANSA with their wonderfully generous supporters didn’t just give us a bed, they gave us hope and a future and they also let us know that we are not alone in this path.  We’re beyond grateful for all the kindness and support.

Wandile

As a mother who lost her own child to cancer and is now a CANSA TLC Paediatric Oncology Coordinator and Manager, Vera van Dalen meets many children living with cancer.

CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge, established and dedicated to the memory of her son, was born out of Vera’s deepest desire to ensure that no family should be separated during their child’s critical treatment.

Vera describes Wandile as: “A child not defined by what has been taken, but by what remains – an unshaken spirit, a fierce courage, and a tenacity that refuses to bow.  She meets each day head-on, looking life straight in the face with a bravery that inspires everyone around her.  She wears her battle scars with quiet pride, looking straight ahead, unafraid.

“Wandile has endured surgeries, treatments, and the loss of an eye leaving a gap which tells the story about that part of her journey.  Today she is not just a survivor – she is a light, a fighter, and a reminder that strength is not measured by perfection, but by perseverance.

“I remain in awe of what these children continue to teach me.”

Vera, as the TLC Coordinator at Nicus Lodge, plays a vital role in providing both practical and emotional support to young patients and their families.  In Wandile’s case, she has been a steady source of encouragement and care, offering comfort to both the child and her mother during their long journey with cancer.

Beyond emotional support, Vera is actively assisting them in exploring medical solutions. After Wandile’s eye prosthetic didn’t hold, Vera started working to find a way forward with socket reconstruction and a new prosthetic eye.

Her role reflects a blend of compassion, advocacy, and problem‑solving, also made possible by your support and ensures that families’ immediate needs are met and also that their longer‑term challenges are identified and assistance is provided where possible.

Honouring our Partners

On 14 May, we had the opportunity to show heartfelt appreciation to some of the incredible individuals and organisations who make our work possible.

A luncheon at Chart Farm in Cape Town allowed us to connect with those walking the journey with us towards a cancer-free South Africa.

I met with our guests, and we enjoyed an inspiring talk on Fynbos and Fragrance, by guest speaker, Cherise Viljoen from Cherish Plants.

Below are some of the lovely messages we received from guests:

‘Keep up the meaningful and impactful work that you’re involved with – we are rooting for you.’

‘It was good to meet you.  Best wishes for your ongoing work in our communities.’

‘God bless you all, and the absolutely wonderful work you do.’

‘All strength to you in your important work.’

Celebrating our Volunteers

This 95^th anniversary can’t pass without celebrating our wonderful volunteers who are at the heart of everything we do.

Playing a vital role in helping us carry out our mission, supporting patients and families affected by cancer, as well as extending our reach into communities across South Africa, we couldn’t do what we do without them.

The work in the realm of volunteering extends to advocacy and awareness, referrals, home visits, telephonic and WhatsApp contact, distribution of care packs and food parcels, recovery programmes, and bereavement counselling when required.

We thank our Volunteers for bringing compassion, hope and practical support where it’s needed most.

Their contributions were recognised on Saturday 25 July – CANSA Volunteer Day under the banner of ‘Leading with love, serving with purpose’ – more detailed news about this will follow soon…

Free Services

While our highlights have mainly touched on our TLC support, please know that your donations also make the following free services possible:

CANSA Tele and Virtual counselling in most SA languages by trained counsellors, support groups (face-to-face; WhatsApp and FBK); guidance from our Clinical Nurses regarding coping with the side effects of cancer, cancer treatment, dietary tips, stoma care and pain management – enquire at info@cansa.org.za; our Advocacy department assists patients experiencing stock shortages, delays in screening and cancer treatment, and lack of access to appropriate pain management medications; transport to and from cancer treatment centres is provided to our cancer patients staying at CANSA Care Homes, who would otherwise live too far away to receive treatment. Children and teens with cancer and their parents / guardians stay at our CANSA TLC Lodges for free during treatment. Our two TLC wig banks for children / teens provide free wigs to those in need.

My hope is that you will remain committed to supporting the work CANSA does. Your support ensures not only keeping our services available but also fine-tuning and expanding them into the future.

If you found  this informative, please consider inviting a contact to subscribe to receive regular updates regarding CANSA’s services, advocacy, and health campaigns. Or forward this email to a friend.

Did You Know?
Your donations enable free services, for example, CANSA Tele and Virtual counselling in most SA languages by trained counsellors, support groups (face-to-face; WhatsApp and FBK); guidance from our Clinical Nurses regarding coping with the side effects of cancer, cancer treatment, dietary tips, stoma care and pain management – enquire at info@cansa.org.za; our Advocacy department assists patients experiencing stock shortages, delays in screening and cancer treatment, and lack of access to appropriate pain management medications; transport to and from cancer treatment centres is provided to our cancer patients staying at CANSA Care Homes, who would otherwise live too far away to receive treatment. Children and teens with cancer and their parents / guardians stay at our CANSA TLC Lodges for free during treatment. Our two TLC wig banks for children / teens provide free wigs to those in need.