Helping patients recover

DETERMINATION, hope and survival are three words which are never far from the lips of the breast cancer patients and their families who are supported by Reach for Recovery South Africa.

For the past 40 years, volunteers – themselves breast cancer survivors – have been sharing their journeys of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery and providing support and hope to newly diagnosed patients.

However, after 40 years, even the most venerable organisation is in need of a facelift, so Reach for Recovery South Africa has launched a fresh new logo: a flower bud with a human figure reaching in triumph.

PE Reach for Recovery branch chairwoman Judith Campbell unveiled the logo at a function held at Swan Lake Gardens last month, as October was breast cancer awareness month internationally.

The aim of the programme is to supply practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting South African women – one in 35 women will be diagnosed with it.

After having a mastectomy, a woman is often left concerned about her appearance. An external breast prosthesis may be her only option if she cannot afford reconstructive surgery. However, the reality is that many breast cancer patients in South Africa cannot afford a breast prosthesis and so Reach for Recovery started what it calls the Ditto Project to help women from low income groups.

Only a small fee is charged for a prosthesis.

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