Good Samaritans help with surgery

Estelle Ellis ellise@timesmedia.co.za

STAFF at Sasfin Commercial Solutions were so moved by the plight of a young woman who needed R200000 to have a brain tumour removed that they managed to raise R11600 in six days to help pay for her operation.

Natasha Brown, 22, had the complicated surgery to remove the 6cm tumour from her brain on Wednesday.

"Our staff were so moved by her plight that our chief executive, David Edwards, started a fundraiser on Friday [January 31] giving staff until [February 5] to make pledges.

"We are proud to report that we managed to raise R11600," Sasfin's Sharon de Kock said. "This is a wonderful reminder that there are many caring and kind people in Port Elizabeth."

Brown was diagnosed with a brain tumour last month after suffering a series of seizures. She did not have a medical aid but her father, Wayne, said he would pay for the operation.

However, her sister, Shannen, friend Trish Henderson and several other family members started a fundraising campaign to help with the R200000 medical expenses. "We are blessed beyond what any words can describe," Henderson said yesterday after receiving the R11600 from Edwards.

Henderson said they had managed since mid-January to raise R64460. "We still have a few fundraisers coming up so we are very excited." She said Natasha's surgery went well and she was still in recovery.

ýTo help or get in touch, join the group Cancer Operation on Facebook or contact Trish Henderson on 079-327-3353.