And BestMed made it all possible in the form of their annual Golf Day at the swanky Centurion Golf Estate, a stone throw away from Tshwane.
According to latest stats, there are between 800 and 1500 children diagnosed with cancer annually. Sad outcomes!
CANSA, went further to point out that South African children, regardless of ethnicity, are affected by Leukemia (blood cancer). In black South African children, Retino Blastoma (cancer of the eye) is the second most prevalent cancer and in white South African children, various types of brain tumours are the second most prevalent cancer.
So, Bestmed one of South Africa’s leading medical schemes which spans 79 years’ in the industry with over 170 000 beneficiaries countrywide, thoughtfully came-up with the idea as part of BestMed Healthy Habits Initiative annual Golf Day to aid in the kitty.
Alan Fritz, Head of Marketing, Sales and Distribution at BestMed said one of the company’s policies is to help and advise were possible.
“We’ve been supporting and advising CANSA for sometime now as part of our Social Responsibility Programme. We’re not only providing the financial support but all kinds of help in aid of our children,” he says.
“Unfortunately, cancer affects most of us and having said, some are unaware of the disease they’ve contracted. With such initiatives, we seek to be at the forefront in information dissemination on how it can be cured.”
“Golf and other sporting event are catalyst to aid this important organization in our country,” says Fritz, who unfortunately did not partake in any Golf activities owing to business meetings.
CANSA has also established what is called the Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme that focuses on awareness of childhood cancers and early detection.
This programme is aimed at children and teens diagnosed with cancer or affected by cancer (a family member has cancer), where support is provided to the family as a whole in both scenarios.
CANSA’s CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg commented: “We recently signed a partnership agreement with Bestmed to take health education to the people and we used this opportunity at their Annual Golf Day to not only launch our partnership, but to recommend a programme that would be beneficiaries of the proceeds raised at this event.
“We thank Bestmed and all the companies for their generous pledges and donations.
By joining hands, we can make things happen. The incidents of cancer are growing at an alarming rate and we cannot win this battle alone.
Our TLC programme is dedicated to providing tangible love, care and support to children and families affected by cancer, and the donations we received will make a huge difference. We not only need financial assistance, but also resources, which means people, commitment and time.”
The day raised over R30 000 by means of pledges and a raffle. Other companies also came on board to support this worthy cause!
“We are constantly looking for ways to give back to the communities and we believe that through unity and co-operation with other corporates, we can contribute towards long, healthy and happy lives of our nation,” said Sasja la Grange, Corporate Communications Manager at Bestmed.
“We are grateful to the companies and individuals who contributed to this cause.”
CANSA has over 30 Care Centres countrywide that offer stoma support and lymphoedema management; medical equipment hire; a toll-free line and support to those affected by cancer; patient care and support in the form of 12 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients plus one hospitium based in Polokwane, as well as CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.
Former ex-Blue Bulls rugby and Boks player Gary Botha who also lend his support said, such worthy causes would have not been possible without the support of BestMed.
At the end of the day, the kids WON!
