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After facing hardships throughout her own cancer journey, the East London local and founder of the popular Fine and Fabulous market, Sam Ramsay, has created her own NPO to help others through the trials of cancer treatment.
“My own cancer journey was the starting point for me. I was unaware of so many things relating to cancer before my diagnosis.
“I assumed, probably like others, that all aspects were covered by medical care and other charitable organisations. I noticed big gaps.
“During treatments you are surrounded by others going through their own treatments too — in the waiting areas, in the chemo room, in the hospital.
“Perhaps we have an inbuilt coping mechanism to divert us from our own suffering because we don’t ‘see’ ourselves.
“I saw the others. And in connecting with them I found a great desire to help,” said Ramsay, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2020.
She underwent treatment from January to October 2021, which included chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy.
“During my treatment phase I went through a rollercoaster of different head spaces and eventually threw myself into a research phase, and that’s where I continue to be.
“I found out quickly that, while an integrative approach to cancer care is becoming the focus overseas, SA sadly falls far behind.”
Ramsay describes integrative care as an approach whereby patients are supported in all aspects of health including emotionally, mentally and physically with complementary and alternative therapies.
Finding herself in need of a support group, Ramsay set out to look for one and this marked the beginning of her NPO, The Cancer Connection.
“I couldn’t find one and so I set about connecting with others to create one.
“The Sista Support Team is a group for women with any types of cancer.
“This aspect is important to me as much attention is given to breast cancer while the other cancers slip through the cracks.
“We have a WhatsApp group where we chat, offload, share advice and encourage each other.
“We also meet monthly, together with a guest speaker who is usually a professional in the health industry or a survivor with an inspiring story.
“I am working on initiating a men’s group, called The Brutha Support Team, but first I need to find a gent who would like to host this group.”
The Cancer Connection also plans to offer carefully curated care packs for newly diagnosed patients, healing tool kits for young patients (children and teens) which include elements of art, music and dance therapy and storytelling.
Their HUGS-in-a-BOX campaign will also work with schools in supporting pupils with cancer.
I never imagined myself being strong enough to walk in this cancer realm, never mind able to support others. We have been running our support group since October 2021, and these ladies have become my friends. I don’t think I would have got this far without them.
— Sam Ramsay
Focusing on the all-round wellbeing of patients, the NPO’s Fill-a-Freeza project will see them donate frozen home-cooked meals via sponsorships, donations and the help of local businesses, to local cancer patients who are in active treatment programmes.
“Our website also offers a resource section with tips, a reading list and a directory section with links to cancer-related businesses and services.
“We will also be including online wellness workshops,” said Ramsay who is supported by Tiffany Swanepoel.
Swanepoel helps with the design and marketing elements for the NPO, and Shannon Oberem Nel helps with organising fundraising projects and corporate liaisons and sponsorships.
Ramsay said the main aim of the NPO was to work towards changing the approach of cancer care in SA.
“We want to inspire others to be their own health advocates.
“This sounds quite simple and yet it could literally be the difference between life and death, or even the difference between suffering from treatment side-effects and claiming back your quality of life by implementing natural therapies.”
As a brand new NPO, Ramsay said fundraising was a priority and while there was no shortage of challenges, the rewards were just as many.
“I never imagined myself being strong enough to walk in this cancer realm, never mind able to support others.
“We have been running our support group since October 2021, and these ladies have become my friends. I don’t think I would have got this far without them.
“The first and most obvious challenge is starting with zero in a bank account, and all these plans and ideas waiting in the pipeline for funds to bring them to life.
“I come across people who are battling, and I wish I had everything actioned already so that I can help them. In the meantime, I give of my time, and I know a lot of people are grateful for this.
“While I have spent much time working on the finer details of our projects and offerings, just before Christmas 2022 I was reminded that at the end of the day a cancer warrior simply needs someone to sit with them.
“To know that they are not alone and that we are all connected.
“I had delivered some small gifts to those in the oncology ward and spent some time sitting with some of the individuals and simply chatting to them.
“In January, I received a WhatsApp from the niece of one of these patients.
“The cancer warrior had passed on shortly after Christmas, but she had been so impacted by the time we had sat together talking that she had asked her niece to communicate this to me.
“This reminded me that there are some things that money, bells and whistles can’t buy — compassion and kindness are priceless.”
The Cancer Connection’s first fundraising event — the Bounce-a-Thon for Cancer — takes place on May 13 at the Beacon Bay Country Club and will see teams take part in rebounder sessions, including a rebounder marathon from 9am to 2pm with the assistance of Fit and Functional Gym.
“Rebounding is one of the top forms of exercise for cancer warriors as it stimulates the lymphatic system and boosts the immune system,” says Ramsay, who hopes many will turn up and bounce the day away in aid of The Cancer Connection.
To find out more visit www.thecancerconnection.co.za
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