Involvement in the community

October month is breast cancer awareness month and for the past two years a free information evening hosted by Drs Van Wageningen & Partners was held. As the majority of the public are still not as informed on breast cancer as hoped, we want to attempt to have this event on a yearly basis.

Even more ladies than the previous year attended in 2008 – some people stood the whole session through as the Vergelegen Medi-Clinic restaurant only had limited space. Our mammographers organised the speakers, sponsors and gifts.

The theme for 2008 was: “I am special, therefore I will prioritize my health”. Pink roses were handed out after this session. This was to remind each lady that only she can take responsibility for her own health.

Lucky draws were held with free mammograms and small gifts as prizes.

The speakers were Dr. A.B. Marais (general surgeon), Dr. Jonathan Toogood (plastic surgeon) as well as Dr. Margie Venter from Oncology.

Reach for Recovery ladies spoke on what their organisation does to help a patient that has undergone a mastectomy. These ladies are there for support and aim to be there for understanding and guidance. Two ladies from this organisation shared their stories with us. One cannot imagine oneself in this situation – the emotional roller coaster each patient goes through. Some with more positive outcomes than other.