Altrisk donates R70,300 to CANSA
Altrisk, a specialist long-term risk product provider, has donated R70,300 to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) towards their CANSA Care Centres that provide care and support programmes for those living with cancer and their loved ones to assist them during their treatment and recovery.
CANSA is a non-profit organisation that enables research, educates the public and provides support to all people affected by cancer. CANSA also provides home-from-home accommodation to patients undergoing cancer treatment at oncology clinics far from their homes - there are currently 12 CANSA Care Homes across the country where patients stay for an average of six weeks at a time and receive meals, counselling, support and transport to and from treatment centres.
CancerCare coping kit
Lucy Balona, CANSA's head of Marketing and Communications says with financial help from organisations such as Altrisk they are able to extend their reach to cancer patients who are in dire need of support. "One of many things CANSA would like to do is to translate our CancerCare coping kit into more official languages. The kit consists of two audio CDs aimed at anyone recently diagnosed with cancer - it provides information and practical tips to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being before and during treatment. In short, helping survivors and their loved ones cope better with a cancer diagnosis," she explains.
Michael Blain, managing director of Altrisk, says cancer remains a highly emotive illness that has far reaching implications for the patient and their family. "Unfortunately, not only does the cancer survivor face a punishing treatment regimen in many cases, but the cost of treatment can become a major financial burden. Considering the emotional strain of being diagnosed with the disease, the care and support programme offered by CANSA provides an essential safety net for patients who do not have the financial means to cope with this debilitating illness."
Support is fundamental
"When living with a serious disease or condition, proper care, disease management, nutrition and counselling is fundamental to ensure a fulfilling and better quality of life. We are delighted to be able to contribute to supporting cancer patients on their journey from treatment to recovery," Blain says.
Each year Altrisk supports a non-profit organisation that works towards making a health-related improvement in the lives of South Africans by driving positive behavioural change. Part of the insurer's fund-raising drive is to encourage financial advisors to be part of the initiative. Altrisk therefore pledges a sum to a worthy cause for every application received from financial advisors during the campaign period.
