Lotus River Community Day Centre celebrated the launch of their new space dedicated to women's health on Thursday August 16.

The space offers women services including basic antenatal care, family planning, pap smears, breast examinations, referral for termination of pregnancy and emergency contraceptives.

Guest speaker Kirsten Adams, a cancer survivor and founder of NPO Bloom Anyway, from Ottery, was invited to share her story and to encourage women to do regular health checks in order to detect life-threatening illnesses as early as possible.

Ms Adams was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at the age of 29. She said in 2019 she had felt a lump but did not go and check it out. Last year she found out on February 15 that she had stage 3 cancer, after an 8cm tumour was found in her breast.

“Thank the Lord it could have been so much different. I am still standing today. Lots of things happened to me. I lost my hair and my fingernails turned black and my body had black spots. After losing my hair I fell into a depression. When you look at yourself in the mirror - how can you give yourself affirmation if you don’t feel worthy? There were days when I did not want to look in the mirror,” said Ms Adams.

In October, she had a double mastectomy. However, in the darkest moments of her journey, Ms Adams discovered a sense of purpose. She realised that her experience could be a catalyst for change. As a cancer survivor, she is now dedicated to championing programmes and supporting those affected by cancer. Ms Adams said she shared her personal journey to, “fuel the foundation’s mission”.

Through Bloom Anyway, she aims to create a supportive community where no one faces cancer alone. Her vision is to provide resources, hope, and empowerment to those affected by cancer, ensuring that everyone has access to the care and support they deserve.

Pictured from left are Christo Williams partner buddy of Bloom Anyway; Jodene Van Schalkwyk, health promoter, Lotus River CDC, Sister Nolwazi Mchunu, Lotus River CDC, Kirsten Adams, founder and CEO of Bloom Anyway; Theresa Boyd, vice-chairperson of the Health Committee; Jean Adams, breast cancer survivor and buddy support of Bloom Anyway; and Jesse Albertyn of Lotus River CDC.

Dr Bianca Hector said along with women's health services which the clinic is excited to proceed with in their new dedicated space, the special programme highlighted the palliative care service.

“Palliative care also forms part of taking care of people who have life-threatening illnesses, for example, patients with cancer, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and people with Aids.

“When you don’t feel well you can’t go to Groote Schuur hospital to tell them to say ‘I am sick today’.”

However, she said patients can come to the day hospital where they will make sure that, “you are pain free and make sure you don’t have any symptoms of your sickness whether it’s nausea or diarrhoea and being able to treat those things so that you will live a healthy, well balanced life until death. We check if you are emotionally fine and that you don’t go into a depression. We want to make sure you are cared for and that your family is cared for. We also want to find out if you are spiritually okay. And if you are involved with your pastor at the church, or imam at the mosque,” said Dr Hector.

The day hospital also refers the patient to the necessary healthcare facility outside their services. “We want to refer you to the physical therapist if you have pain or a dietician if you are struggling to eat or struggling with your weight.” Dr Hector said the day hospital pairs the patient up with organisations such as Bloom Anyway, and refers them to counselling for healthcare, “to help you make it through that journey.”

For more information about Bloom Anyway contact at 066 257 7752, email Bloomanyway1@gmail.com or visit www.bloomanywayfoundation.co.za

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