Annetjie Engelbrecht., the first recipient of two breast prosthesis's donated by Journey of Hope with Frieda and Minette from Cansa, with whom JOH collaborates for the supplying of the prosthesis.

Funds raised during the  Journey of Hope 2008 and 2009, was reserved to assist woman in need of a mastectomy or prosthesis after breast cancer.  The emphasis were on assisting women without a medical aid and not being able to afford this procedure in order  to feel whole again.

Because of the complexity of the project, involving  medical, legal and psycho-social aspects, the process was complicated and lengthy.  To qualify, the candidates had to be in remission for  2 years already.  The application form could be downloaded from our website during 2009 and were distributed to all Oncology units in South Africa.
Serving on the selection panel are:   a social worker,  Prof Justus Apffelsteadt representing a mama clinic and Prof Frank Graewe from Stellenbosch University Medical Unit.   

A total of 23 candidates applied during 2009.  Unfortunately some of these applicants did not quality in the sense that they do belong to a medical aid.  The first five candidates have been identified and will undergo the physical examination during March.  Four applicants will also receive breast prosthesis.  More information on this will appear on our website soon!   

Due to the complexity of the Breast Reconstruction Project and the limited amount of women to whose lives we can make a difference,  Journey of Hope Board has decided to embark on a new project with funds to be raised during 2010.  This project will focus more on preventative measures.  We would like to assist women  in local communities in need of a breast cancer screening.   As soon as partnership with other organizations has been formed in this regard, the information will be available on our website.   Journey of Hope will also continue receiving applications for the supplying prosthesis.  In this case we will collaborate with CANSA, where applicants would be able to choose the prosthesis of their choice from the nearest Cancer Association Office.

If you know of any women that needs assistance in the above regard, please contact uS