Support for cancer patients in Grande

This auspicious and important occasion was graced by the presence of Dr Dale Hasranah, hospital manager Nadira Maharaj, matron Lynette Francis, Marlene Matthews, nursing supervisor (oncology), Dr Emmanuel, oncology specialist, and several nurses and medical personnel.

The programme began with ENA Linda Chuniesingh doing the opening prayer and the national anthem. After welcoming remarks from Marlene Matthews, Hasranah shared vital and welcome plans for the improvement of the Oncology Department.

Registered nurses Leba Mohamed and Savitri Gopaul delivered a very informative and valuable overview about cancer and the absolute necessity for a support group. After this we were treated to an infectious a cappella calypso on the same topic by Andrew Bowman, himself a cancer patient.

Guest speakers Ria Jones Joseph and Keisha Butcher, ably supported by her mother Patricia Butcher, shared their agonising experiences on discovering they had cancer, the emotional and psychological trauma that accompanied their finding out, and how they were able to deal with it.

Another guest speaker, Michelle Okieffe, a member of EARS, a cancer support group, elucidated us on how beneficial and encouraging it can be for a patient and his/her loved ones when there is emotional, psychological and other support readily available. Matron Francis also endorsed all that was shared, enlightening us with her experiences.

During open forum several survivors and patients had an opportunity to express their gratitude to the closely-knit team of doctors, nurses and other personnel of the Oncology Department.

This unit is indeed like family. None can compare with these beautiful people.

Some very wonderful people from the pharmacy, like Angie Lochan, Lisa Ali-Khan and Masika Bentley, work assiduously behind the scenes to prepare the medication for the chemotherapy.

Our sincere thanks also go out to the pharmacy staff, and the lab as well.

Just before the function closed, presentations were made to the guest speakers and a few others.

I, a cancer survivor, donated copies of one of my books, Mammie’s Folklore Stories, to be sold, the proceeds of which could serve as “seed money” for this magnanimous and commendable venture, Ad Multos Anos.

Eva David-Swain Sangre Grande