Media Update: Crafts for Cancer raises R65 000

At a sold-out event, a record 95 ladies participated this year resulting in R65 000 being raised for the Tygerberg Hospital’s Breast Clinic Transport Fund. This means that approximately a further 420 ladies will benefit from the fund.The Transport Fund was started for the Breast Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital in 2010.  The need for this fund was identified and initiated by a dedicated social worker at the Breast Clinic. The Transport Fund Initiative kicked off with a donation of R25 000 from the head of the Breast Clinic, Professor Justus Apffelstaedt, and what started as a small-scale initiative to assist one patient in need, has since grown to a fully-fledged fund that has helped countless women, and continues to grow.

Seventy percent of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the Breast Clinic of Tygerberg Hospital are in the low income bracket, and whilst the government covers the treatment costs, their transport costs to and from the hospital for regular radiotherapy sessions often become a barrier to entry. Radiotherapy sessions last for either 16 or 25 days and the transport costs for these patients are often too high.

“The continued support we have had from ladies throughout the Western Cape over the years has been phenomenal,” says Liza Matthews, marketing manager of Pink Lady. “Every year we are blown away by the enthusiasm and passion each and every lady shows for our event and the charity we support.”

This year the ladies in attendance enjoyed a morning learning the art of lino printing with Lizel Cloete, craft editor for Ideas magazine. After the crafts, lunch was served and Rocco de Villiers, a pianist, provided entertainment for the afternoon.

Prof. Apffelstaedt gave a talk on breast cancer and breast health, providing some important knowledge around early detection.

“Many of our patients live on government grants with their families; these are only about R1200 per month, transport to Tygerberg often costs R150 for a single visit. The choice between having enough to eat for the family and transport for therapy is stark,” says Apffelstaedt, “that is why this event is very important, and the money raised by all the ladies in attendance will go a long way to assist patients who need it most.”