THE Camdeboo Hospice Patient Support Group was created out of necessity when the organisation’s funding was reduced drastically in recent months.
The ‘healthier’ patients, who are able to get to the Hospice offices, meet in the boardroom every Wednesday, under the supervision of professional nurse, Loretta Wiehahn.
Here the patients are encouraged to discuss their illnesses, and share problems and how they have overcome them.
If necessary, Wiehahn provides advice and support, but often the patients’ own experiences, with their illnesses and how their families are coping, are just as valuable.
The mutual emotional and practical support is extremely beneficial, and to round off the morning, a nutritious meal is served, sponsored by a local business.
A special treat for the group was a surprise early Christmas party, where each patient was given a shoebox of gifts, lovingly filled and creatively wrapped by the Grade 4s of Union Preparatory School.
Desert Springs Spur donated balloons and a Secret Santa donated party packs, cake and juice.
Joyful singing of hymns and Christmas carols filled the boardroom, and the patients were able to forget their aches and pains for a few hours.
Hospice management is extremely grateful to all the donors who made this event possible.
