The oncology department at Groote Schuur Hospital is one of three beneficiaries to receive funding from the Wheel to Heal cycling initiative, which raised over R1.7 million during their 8-day cycling journey from Mossel Bay to Cape Town in December 2022.
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In this incredible display of generosity and determination, 33 cyclists ranging from novice to experienced (including a hand cyclist) dedicated their time, physicality and networks to not only raising money but also delivering cancer education and awareness and providing food parcels throughout the rural towns they passed through during their 8-day adventure.
Dr Elias Parker, who is the founder of Wheel to Heal, created this initiative in order to give back to the community and honour the memory of his beloved wife, Maryam, who died of cancer a number of years ago.
The Groote Schuur Hospital Trust and the oncology department are grateful to the Wheel to Heal cyclists for their incredible R1 million donation towards the refurbishment of the Groote Schuur Hospital’s new outpatient chemotherapy room.
Oncology sees approximately 3,000 new patients per year, with that number increasing year after year. In their outpatient department, they accommodate approximately 7,000 chemotherapeutic visits.
The oncology department has currently outgrown its chemotherapy rooms, and the spaces are crowded and cramped, with a lack of fresh air and natural light, making workflow difficult and the environment unsuitable for efficiency or patient well-being.
This funding will allow the department to carefully and thoughtfully repurpose a large space within to create a large, airy chemotherapy room that promotes efficiency, safety and comfort.
Furthermore, because they have been able to extend the biological administration programme, they will be able to expand the pharmacy to accommodate additional space and workload.
The chemotherapy room will be upgraded in Maryam Parker’s honour and memory.
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Picture: Wheel to Heal / Facebook