Care for the Caregivers
We want to show the caregivers – friends, family, spouses and work colleagues – how much we appreciate them
We know that their role in caring for their loved one affected by cancer is physically and emotionally demanding and hope that by showing our gratitude it helps them to feel motivated to keep on going.
Love letter to a caregiver
We see you.
We know that you have been there for your loved one.
Perhaps it was from the very beginning days in the shock and blur of a diagnosis.
Maybe it was during their treatment time.
You were the one checking in, offering your help. You have listened, learned & encouraged.
Your smallest gestures have meant the world.
Your hugs have given hope.
Even in the ‘remission days’ you still understood that a cancer patient is a warrior for life and will always need your compassion and understanding.
Because of YOU we believe in angels.
THANK YOU!
with love from
The Cancer Connection
How The Cancer Connection cares for the caregivers
Hearing that your child has been diagnosed with cancer is every parent’s nightmare.
Now imagine you are a mother to a child with cancer living in the Eastern Cape. This is the country’s poorest province with the second largest land area, and the third most populated region.
The Eastern Cape covers 168 966 square kilometres which means many of the rural, low income communities are more than a day’s taxi journey to dedicated cancer facilities which are in the two cities of Port Elizabeth and East London.
Limited access to healthcare, together with financial strain, adds to the average South African’s burden when facing this journey.
These primary caregivers (most often the mothers) travel with the clothes on their back. If their child is admitted to the oncology ward then they face a potential 3 – 6 month hospital stay where they have no personal belongings for themselves and sleep on the floor next to their child’s bed.
Travelling costs are a further strain if the child lives in a rural area but needs to return regularly for treatments or check-ups.
How do WE help? And how can YOU help?
The Cancer Connection puts together care packages for these caregivers who sleep over, which include basic items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, facecloth, hand & body wash, slippers and a blanket.
We also assemble lunch packs for the mothers who are traveling back to their homes in outlying areas which include a sandwich, juice & water, fruit and a snack bar
Please consider DONATING to help us – these simple acts of support go a long way in say ‘we see you and all that you are going through during this hard time’
We also welcome any of these items being donated to us. How about organising a sandwich making session with your group of friends or work colleagues? Or a knitting circle to make blankets? Get in touch with us if you have some amazing ideas that you would like to share!
Gift Ideas for Caregivers
These are expressions of love, gratitude and acknowledgement for all they have done
Pamper Treats
from a gift hamper filled with bath & body products , to a gift voucher for a spa treatment – these gifts are much-needed as caregivers often neglect their own personal self-care.
Home & Garden
Home & Garden cleaning services and shopping services – while the caregiver looks after their loved one with cancer, their daily chores are neglected, help them with the load.
A Keep-sake
A keep-sake – jewellery or special trinkets to show how much you care.
Time-out
being a caregiver, while done out of love, can also be challenging and hard work. Give the gift of a mental escape, where they can step away from the stress. Offer to relieve them off their role for a few days, or even a few hours. Or treat them to an uplifting book or funny movie where a different change of topic could feel like a holiday.