Project Flamingo is an non-profit company dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients in Cape Town. Founded in 2010, Project Flamingo was created to help reduce surgery waiting time, to support newly diagnosed patients and to alleviate pressure on the Groote Schuur Breast and Oncology Unity.
Project Flamingo has a strong focus on reducing the lengthy waiting period for breast cancer-related surgeries. The funds raised by this NPC allows doctors to perform “catch-up surgeries”. The money is used to pay for theatre time and nursing staff and are performed at Groote Schuur Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital.
Catch-up surgeries help alleviate incredible strain on theatre and staff resources. In 2010, according to Project Flamingo’s website, the waiting time for surgeries was up to 12 weeks long. Since Project Flamingo’s inception, this has been reduced significantly.
Another focus area of Project Flamingo’s funding is directed toward creating “Pamper Packs” for all newly diagnosed cancer patients at Groote Schuur Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital.
“Once a week a panel of expert clinicians, including surgeons, oncologists, pathologists and radiologists meet with approximately 20 newly diagnosed patients to discuss their diagnosis and treatment plan. This is a life-changing and traumatic afternoon for these women – and our pamper packs are an attempt to keep their feminine spirit alive,” said the website.
The Pamper Packs were created to make the patients feel loved and cared for. Each surgery costs R4 000 and if you want to support Project Flamingo in restoring a sense of normality to the life of a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, click here.
Image: Facebook/ Project Flamingo
