Breast cancer support: pink is the colour of hope

GEORGE NEWS - Well known Afrikaans singer Anneli van Rooyen had a message of hope for the ladies at Reach for Recovery's luncheon on Saturday 19 October.

Reach for Recovery is an international breast cancer support group that consist of a group of women who have undergone surgery as a result of breast cancer. They receive training to visit patients in hospital or recovering at home.

The luncheon was well attended by locals, some with first hand experience of breast cancer and the long road ahead during recovery.

Garden Route Coordinator for Reach for Recovery, Ingrid Watkins, said the volunteers of Reach for Recovery want to make sure that no-one has to travel this road alone.

"Regarding our function, we are awestruck by the generousity of spirit and kindness of the people in our beautiful Garden Route," said Watkins. "Special thanks go to sponsors, The Moths, Food on the Move, Something Special, New Harvest, Saraway, Grocery Express, Ruth Tearle, Sonia Smith Elite Funeral Group, and to our wonderful team of friends who made the Luncheon such a success."

Nelmie von Wielligh (right), her baby, Madison (1 year and 3 months) and Elsabé von Wielligh at the luncheon. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

A cast of a female torso, showing the lymphatic system in a breast, was presented to Jackie Biljon, a service support officer of Cansa who will use it as an educational tool for breast cancer awareness. The torso was made by Nelmie von Wielligh of Base Coat Nail Salon.

Nelmie von Wielligh (right) hands over a cast of a female torso, showing the lymphatic system in a breast, to Jackie Biljon, a service support officer of Cansa.

Hendrina Nel (front) knows what it's all about, because she's had breast cancer herself. With her are Rina Barkhuizen and Cora Botes. These ladies support the cause through knitting blankets for affected persons. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

Betty Bull (left) and Christine Hugo (right) with friends. At the back are Adri van Wyk, Annalie Engelbrecht, Lianda Oosthuizen and Nelmie von Wielligh. Photo: Michelle Pienaar