Cancer Concern Association spreads Christmas cheer to the Oncology Unit |24 December 2021

A souvenir photograph to mark the occasion (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

In the spirit of Christmas, staff and patients of the Oncology Unit of the Seychelles Hospital yesterday morning received gifts from the Cancer Concern Association (CCA) during a short ceremony at the Red Roof Building.

In her capacity as the CCA chairperson, Minister for Health Peggy Vidot handed over the gifts to senior medical officer at the unit Dr Johanna Rapanarilala and nurse in charge of the unit Yvonne Télémaque, in the presence of CCA members.

Other than treats for the staff and patients, the donation also includes bed linen to be used in the unit.

On behalf of the CCA, Minister Vidot thanked all partners and sponsors for their active and continuous support during 2021 which she said have enabled them to better support and assist the staff and patients suffering from different cancers who receive treatment from the unit.

She reassured them that their contributions are being put to good use in supporting the staff and patients of the Oncology Unit.

On behalf of her colleagues, Ms Télémaque thanked the CCA for its support which she said is greatly appreciated.

She also expressed gratitude for the recognition of the work they are doing, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Created in 1999, CCA’s aim is also to encourage healthy lifestyle, while focusing its educational programme on possible early detection through available screening test and also encourages the distribution of information on cancer and its management.

As part of its campaign, the association visits schools and work places to give educational talks and also to provide equipment (office or medical) to assist the Ministry of Health with cancer management, registry and treatment, raise funds, assist and visit cancer patients and their families.

Its main focus at present is to target young orphans who lost their parents through cancer with counselling and guidance, steering the young victims towards a brighter path, as they are still young and vulnerable.

Roland Duval