MOSSEL BAY NEWS - September was Childhood Cancer Aware-ness Month, but the fight is never over and continues in Mossel Bay.
For local Cansa volunteer Joanita Meyer, the fight against childhood cancer is a personal one due to her grandson Joshua le Roux's battle with the disease.
Besides spreading the word about the Cansa Support Children Facing Cancer Drive, Meyer also recently started her own blanket project.
"Pediatric cancer is real, 365 days a year. I would like to challenge the community, schools and grocery stores to participate in the drive. Anyone shopping in a grocery shop could buy anything on the Cansa needs list and put it in a donation box in those shops willing to participate," Meyer said.
The list includes things like a soft tooth-brush, bland toothpaste, a face cloth, aqueous cream (plain), antiseptic soap, pocket tissues (not boxes), bed socks, beanies, pyjamas, gowns, takkies and/or slippers.
Meyer said it often happens that a patient goes for a check-up and has to be admitted then and there.
"These children are often hospitalised for weeks at a time. The items on the list can bring relief and comfort to them and to loved ones, as there are a lot of other expenses like travelling, accommodation and food."
Young cancer patients from the Garden Route and surrounding areas are often treated in Cape Town. Meyer said they are focusing on the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital where Cansa will ensure the donations reach those in need.
Elaborating on her blanket project, Meyer said it is a deeply personal one. "It is inspired by Joshua's strength and resilience, who bravely faced his battle with cancer not once, but twice, and by the grace of our Heavenly Father, won. His journey instilled in us a powerful mission to deliver comfort, hope and faith to every child fighting this battle.
Joshua le Roux with his grandmother Joanita Meyer (left) and mother Karla Lawrence (right) in April this year.
Joshua enjoys a recent day on the beach.
"I felt the need to support and assist families dealing with childhood cancer. From experience, it was difficult to find support, and I want to change that."
Cansa's manager of childhood cancer services, Anina Meiring, who works closely with Meyer, urged anyone in need of assistance from Cansa to reach out to them, seeing as Cansa is not allowed to contact them first. She said they support children with cancer and also children of parents with cancer.
The Cansa website offers many support materials. Meiring said there is even tele-counselling services available in seven different languages. The helpline is 080 066 2266. Parents can also join the Facebook support group, CANSA TLC - Childhood Cancer Support.
To donate to or get involved in the Cansa needs list drive or Meyer's blanket project, contact her on 060 836 1403 or send an email to ameiring@cansa.org.za.
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