She has been a CANSA volunteer since 2003 and made it clear from the onset, that her vision and goal was to support professional staff in caring for the ill in a holistic manner. This, according to her, was to be done in the comfort of the patient's own home at no extra expense. Her love, care and compassion for all humankind, specially those confronted with cancer, made her the perfect candidate for becoming the Hartenbos Patient Care Co-ordinator.
Heather, a trained nurse and cancer survivor herself, recently received the coveted Mariëtte Loots Cancer Winner Award in the Southern Business Unit.
"I have learned, when it comes to cancer patients, no task, how big or small it might be, would ever be too big for Heather," says Engela van der Merwe, from the CANSA Regional Office in George, who nominated her.
"She is making a huge difference in educating her community on early detection and prevention and talks on woman's health whenever requested."
Heather's daughter, Sharon, flew all the way from Australia to attend the award ceremony held in Cape Town and her neighbours in Saffron street, Hartenbos Heuwels, paid tribute to her during a special 'street braai', appropriately hosted on National Braai Day, 24 September.
During this informal ceremony, she was given a special saffron shield as a token of appreciation for her love and ongoing support of cancer patients in the Hartenbos area. According to Heather, it is all due to her simple motivation to help people.
"I am privileged to be able to go on a journey with cancer patients, from diagnosis through all the stages. It is not just about physical care, but also emotional support," she said.
Another Southern Cape resident brought home a Cansa trophy. Tersia Fourie is involved in varied roles at the Cancer Association's regional offices in George. She not only runs the Irma Bruschi Interim Home, but as a qualified nursing sister and lympoedema therapist, is responsible for the management of the Cancer Care Clinic at 103 Merriman Street.
Her dedication has now earned her the national award from Cansa for best patient and client service, and support to patients. Tersia has been with Cansa for 11 years. She says her motivation is all about fighting cancer and supporting those who receive the devastating diagnosis.
Tersia Fourie is involved in varied roles at the Cancer Association's regional offices in George. She has received the national award from Cansa for best patient and client service, and support to patients.
ARTICLE: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
