WATCH: Rachel Kolisi inspires women at #GiveYourBraForBreastCancer event
HYDE PARK – 5000 bras were donated by the public to assist in the Reach for Recovery campaign.
Women were inspired at the conclusion of the #GiveYourBraForBreastCancer campaign event hosted in Hyde Park, Sandton, where Roche donated R100 000 to Reach for Recovery.
The campaign began in 2019 and encouraged women to donate their pre-loved bras to people in need. Pharmaceutical company Roche then came on board, promising that for every bra donated, R10 would be donated to Reach for Recovery.
Reach for Recovery aims to provide emotional care and practical support to people with breast cancer. They assisted 5 932 patients last year. The R100 000 donated by Roche will be used to purchase silicone breast prosthesis for women who cannot afford them.
Chair of Reach for Recovery Stephné Jacobs explained, “We aim to assist women to regain their self-confidence and self-esteem. We have been blessed to see women who look in the mirror with tears of joy in their eyes after receiving breast prosthesis and say, ‘I never thought I’d look whole again’.”
Breast cancer survivor and Reach for Recovery volunteer Frances Mngomzulu shared her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.
“I didn’t know what to do or where to go before Reach for Recovery. When I found a lump in my breast I was so devastated. I thought I was going to die soon. Reach for Recovery came alongside me and brought a positive spirit. They took me through the process of having a mastectomy and going through cancer treatment and I felt so relieved,” said Mngomzulu.
She now volunteers at the organisation, helping newly-diagnosed patients to understand their diagnosis and lift them up, giving them hope and dignity.
Advocate for women and mother of four Rachel Kolisi was invited to inspire the women in attendance, describing herself as the ‘best side of Siya’.
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“I look around here today and see women with a common cause. The power of collaboration is so underestimated. Breast cancer has such a big impact in South Africa, but it has caused unity and collaboration displayed here,” said Kolisi.
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