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Zambia Cancer Foundation - Leukaemia Fund
Cancer can affect anyone at any age, but many types of cancer can be
treated successfully, especially if treatment is commenced in the
early stages.
The
University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka is the main diagnostic and
treatment centre in Zambia to which people suspected of suffering
from cancer may be referred from all parts of the country. Treatment
of leukaemia (cancer of the blood) with drugs is particularly
successful, and seven out of ten children can be cured and go on to
lead long and active lives. Unfortunately UTH is unable to give
cancer patients all the treatment they require, mainly due to
financial constraints, and over the years the Leukaemia Fund has
assisted by donating cytotoxic drugs that have been purchased
through fundraising projects or donations.
The
children's haematology and oncology unit. at. the UTH is where
children with cancer, leukaemia and related blood diseases are
treated, and has the potential to be the best unit in the region.
The ward staff are dedicated and hard working, but the number beds
and rundown condition of the facility is sadly inadequate for the
number of children who need treatment, many of whom also have
lowered immunity. The ward was first built. over fifty years ago and
was constructed with a flat roof and insufficient drainage;
successive heavy rainy seasons have taken their toll and the roof
now leaks in many places resulting in walls damp and black with
mould and peeling plasterwork. The children often have to share
beds, and because there are no bathroom facilities they have to use
those in other wards, which greatly increases the risk of cross
infection. The children often spend long periods of time in hospital
and therefore to aid recovery, and to brighten their lives, a more
pleasant environment is essential.
After
consultation with the UTH management a group of concerned Lusaka
residents, together with members of the Leukaemia Fund, have decided
to renovate the children's cancer ward. A committee has been set up
with the aim of raising funds to renew the roof before the next
rainy season, and then to renovate the interior and install bathroom
facilities.
Fundraising activities for 2004 are culminating in a Dinner Dance at
the Hotel Intercontinental on Saturday 9th October. The
event. promises to be the best. function of the year with fantastic
raffle prizes and wine tasting courtesy of KWV. Tickets are K
150,000 (to include free wine on the tables and free corkage).
YOU
CAN HELP by buying tickets to attend the dinner dance or by donating
prizes for the raffle or tombola. If you are unable to come to the
function you can still help by making a donation to the UTH.CANCER
WARD RENOVATION APPEAL. All contributions of money, goods or other
assistance will be greatly appreciated and will be fully accounted
for.
For
tickets for the dinner dance, donations or any other assistance,
please contact Jayne 096 750-768, Meg 096 724-629, Diane 096 763-691
or Jenny 250-064 (255-732 mornings) |
September 2004