Women from all sections of the community gathered yesterday (Wednesday, August 26), for Laudium Cancer Care’s Women’s Month celebration, an afternoon filled with wellness, laughter, sisterhood and meaningful conversations around women’s health.
Held at Omega Family Ministries Church on 19th Ave (corner Primrose), the event highlighted Laudium Cancer Care’s commitment to reaching people across different communities, cultures and religions.
Laudium Cancer Care has spent decades supporting cancer patients and their families through patient assistance, emotional support, cancer awareness and community outreach. Established in 1986, the organisation is now looking towards carrying its work into another 40 years of service.
The choice of a church venue was significant, reflecting the organisation’s belief that care has no colour, culture or religious boundary.
Female Pastor Ria Bhana, whose church hosted the event, welcomed the initiative and said it was encouraging to see women from different backgrounds coming together.
“Our church was honoured to host Laudium Cancer Care. We believe that when we come together in love and support, we can make a difference in the lives of others. This was a beautiful celebration of women, unity and community.”
One of the highlights of the programme was an inspiring presentation by cancer survivor Nono Zwane, who shared her personal journey and encouraged women to prioritise their health, know their bodies and seek medical attention when something does not feel right.
“My journey taught me that awareness can save lives. If sharing my story encourages even one woman to take her health seriously, then everything I went through has a greater purpose,” said Zwane.
Guest speaker Dr Shakira Dockrat also addressed the women, bringing an important health and wellness perspective to the programme.
“Women often spend so much time caring for everyone else that they forget to care for themselves. Looking after your health should not be an afterthought, it should be a priority,” said Dr Dockrat.
The programme included a wellness and fitness session, games, audience participation, prizes and a nutritional talk by a dietician. There was also plenty of laughter, good food and an opportunity for the women to connect outside the usual seriousness associated with cancer.
MC for the event, Zaki Bhika, paid tribute to Laudium Cancer Care’s 13 volunteers, highlighting the strong bond between the team and their shared commitment to the organisation.
Zaki said, “We are 13 volunteers who work side by side, and what makes this team special is that we are not here looking for recognition. We want to make a difference, and our reward is seeing the work we do having an impact on people’s lives. Our goal is to take Laudium Cancer Care into another 40 years and ensure that the legacy established in 1986 continues.”
Zaki told the Laudium Sun, “The event was made possible through the dedication of Laudium Cancer Care’s volunteers, who worked behind the scenes to plan, prepare and coordinate the programme. Chairperson Rashida Ebrahim continues to lead the organisation alongside a committed team of volunteers who dedicate their time to patient support, cancer awareness and community initiatives. The celebration was a reminder that cancer awareness can also create spaces for joy, friendship, education and connection.
For Laudium Cancer Care, the message remains simple: care is about people, and everyone deserves to feel supported, seen and valued. As the organisation reflects on four decades of service, its vision is not simply to
celebrate the past, but to build on that legacy and continue serving the community for the next 40 years. We wish to thank all our sponsors and supporters including, the Laudium Sun, our media partner.”
