Spreading knowledge about healing
THE lessons learnt by a husband who was on a quest to save his cancerridden wife resulted in the formation of the Phoenix North Coast Cancer Support Group. The group was nationally and provincially endorsed by the Department of Health this year.
Founder Roy Sukdhev has used the support group as a societal tool aimed at disseminating information and addressing the trials and tribulations which go hand-in-hand with the disease.
Sukhdev’s wife, Rosy, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2007. After her recovery, the support group was created to help others who also unknowingly believed that cancer was a death sentence.
Sukdhev received the group’s letters of endorsement from the ethekwini District Office on March 11 and from the national office on January 24.
Sukdhev plans to provide accessible breast and prostrate screenings, intensified cancer awareness and education programmes in workplaces, schools, communities and public hospitals.
This is to continue highlighting that early detection saves lives and to supplement efforts already being made by the Health Department.
“This endorsement allows us to help the Health Department to fulfil some of the many prevalent screening and treatment gaps. We cannot solely rely on government services if we want to ensure good health,” he said.
Another initiative Sukdhev has championed this year is the Adopt a Cancer Patient Project.
The project assists patients, especially those awaiting cancer treatment, with counselling, nutritional supplements and muchneeded support during the trying time.
“Cancer patients usually suffer from malnutrition not only as side effects of cancer treatments, but due
On 22nd April 1996, Beverly was wheeled into the theatre. The previous night, she was surrounded by family and friends. The love of her life, Melvin, was there as a source of eternal encouragement. Pastor Casey Chetty and the family of New Hope Ministries held a prayer vigil.
The surgery was meticulously planned and through delicate procedures at the hands of skilled neurosurgeons, the tumour was successfully removed.
Melvin had not seen the healing of Beverly, but by faith, he believed she was healed. There was a constant source of the word of God in the Gounden home, and the Word was read at Beverly’s bedside every night. There was a prayer offered around the clock with fasting and meditation. to loss of appetite. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are conventional methods for cancer treatment, but nutrition therapy is often overlooked.
“To ensure the cancer patient’s well-being in the interim, our support group provides medical nutritional supplements to indigent patients, the priority being children and young mothers, referred by their doctor,” said Sukdhev.
The PNC’S Schools Cancer Programme sets out to empower pupils, educators and the community by making them aware of alternative methods of coping with cancer, as well as its far-reaching effects and the dangers of desperation.
“Patients are fed up with medications that don’t work for them and are willing to do anything for relief. Medical cannabis is taking the world by storm and desperate patients will be very eager to purchase this, but educate yourselves before you medicate. There are different types of medical cannabis and dosages depend on weight, age and medical condition,” he said.
According to Sukdhev, serving the sick and forlorn is the highest form of gratitude that he can display.
“The hearts that give are mightier than the lips that pray.”
Sometime in the afternoon, Beverly was wheeled out of the theatre and into the ICU at Wentworth Hospital. The family was relieved she was out of the woods and the tumour removed.
During this time of convalescence in the hospital, there were times when Gloria would shut herself in her room and cry inconsolably as she watched her daughter writhe in pain.
The church went on an intensive fasting program for Beverly, and Pastor Chetty would meet at the Gounden home at 5am to pray with them. Other families in the church would join the intercessory prayer in their homes.
Beverly was sent home after recuperating from surgery. In May
1996, the histopathology report arrived. Beverly’s tumour turned out to be a rare tumour called a medulloblastoma. This news sent them into a tailspin as they realised that Beverly had cancer.