Masarati boosts cancer NGO

Masarati Aesthetics Skin Clinic recently hosted their second annual fundraiser event. The event, hosted by Shamima Kala- Nchindo, attracted guests, including experts from different fields, and was held under the theme: # masaraticares. It seeks to raise funds for the Journey of Hope Botswana ( JOHB), a local breast cancer awareness NGO. The event was held in October, the international month of breast cancer awareness. Passionate about this particular Non- Communicable Disease, which is one of the leading causes of death, KalaNchindo led this campaign, securing sponsorships and bringing together the guest speakers, guests as well as sponsors and performers. The programme of the day began with doctors, Dr Brighid Malone from Bokamoso Private Hospital giving informative and powerful cancer health talks, who also urged everyone to take responsibility for their own health, using her own cancer journey as an example. Malone knows firsthand what Cancer can do, having survived it four times. Second to take up the podium was Dr Noorain Lottering from the MedLane Healthcare Facility, who demystified mammography and reminded everyone that, “there’s no harm in screening. You will either find that there is nothing wrong, or you will detect a problem early enough to get it treated,” shared the Dr. Also in attendance was Dr Claire Brockbank from the Independence Surgery, who spoke about the importance of being aware of what we consume, in order to reduce the risk of Non- Communicable Diseases ( NCD’s) such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and chronic lung diseases. She cautioned against a diet of processed foods which are high in nitrates, salt, trans- fats and other chemicals which act as triggers for cancer changes in our bodies. Speaking at the event, Onica Lekuntwane, JOHB Coordinator, thanked everyone for coming out to support this noble initiative. This she said was a crucial part, as they were helping raise funds for JOHB and also assisting with their mandate, which is breast cancer awareness & screening. She further urged everyone to take advantage of the free onsite breast screening services that were being offered at the event, an invitation many of the women present accepted. One of the highlights at the event, was two courageous women, Buhle Nguni and Aisha Chowdhry, both breast cancer survivors who shared their cancer journeys with the guests. Meanwhile, other health screenings by Diagnofirm were available for all attendees; breast palpation and ultrasound breast screening by Dr Brockbank and Dr Elaine Romero. MedLane Healthcare, having recently launched Botswana’s first mobile mammography unit, a collaboration with First Capital Bank & JOHB, had their mammography mobile unit onsite at Masarati for further screenings. To add fun to the event, guests were treated to delicious treats by Duo Pennotti, live entertainment, courtesy of the talented Sebaga, some salsa dancing by Mike & MsTi Dance Company as well as complimentary foot massages courtesy of Masarati Aesthetics Skin Clinic. Sponsors included Lewakel Events, O3 Beverages, Avani Hotel, Timba Trading, Cotton Cloud, Hair Essentials, Food Lovers Market, Meat Street, Options, Radiance Wellness Studios, Virgin Active, Kauai, Abi Cakes, Ginger Pink Bakery, Irams Kitchen, Sams Catering Services,

Shell Tlokweng, Kamo K Photography, and Cupcakes by Mel. Robbie Rob was on the decks for the second year running, and Lolo Madikgetla was again charged as the director of ceremonies.