Celebrating 50 golden years of fighting cancer in Namibia, the Cancer Association of Namibia is proud to announce that internationally acclaimed comedian, Barry Hilton, will share the stage with Namibian vocal sensation, Lize Ehlers and the king of Namibian swing, George Longane, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of CAN.
Taking place on Saturday, 9 June 2018, at the Safari Court Hotel Ballroom, the gourmet gala dinner takes a historical journey from the association’s humble beginnings in 1968 when Dr Abraham Bernard May, then mayor of Windhoek and a surgeon at Windhoek Central Hospital, planted the first seed of change, by calling to order “an association to help South West Africans who have cancer”.
Patients had to travel strenuously long hours by train or bus to Cape Town or Johannesburg for cancer treatment, while medical support to the masses was unaffordable!
“The association initially reported to the Cancer Association of South Africa, but soon felt it fitting to stand on its own feet and utilize the money raised locally for the local people who needed it most,” explains CAN chief executive, Mr Rolf Hansen.
The South African association remained supportive to the Cancer Association of South West Africa (CASWA) and the first official office was established in Pioneers Park in the 70’s.
During the 1980’s the Cancer Association of Namibia (transitioning to the current official name became a reality as independence came closer!) became fully independent from S.A. and House Acacia was acquired. The first interim home for Namibia as established!
Since independence, CAN (as it is affectionately known) has become a beacon of hope for all patients diagnosed with cancer. Offering not only interim home care for adult and childhood cancer patients alike, the association also has a welfare arm whereby financial aid is provided through the Patient Financial Assistance Programme. The National Cancer Outreach Programme rotates throughout the vast country to visit various destinations at least once a year for education, community talks and medical screening of Namibians to try earlier detect cancer and thereby saving lives.
In 2017 the Family Support Centre with the “Standard Bank Circle of Hope” programme was also launched, offering psycho-oncological support to patients and their families.
The oncology treatment centre at Windhoek Central Hospital was named after CAN’s founder – “Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre” and till this day, the association continues to support and play a pivotal role in the upkeep of the centre.
CAN and the Ministry of Health and Social Services remain jointly dedicated to fight cancer in Namibia, support the National Cancer Registry and impact as many lives as possible, diagnosed with cancer.
The 50th Anniversary gala dinner is true celebration of life and hope; and all funds generated by the event is reserved for funding the National Cancer Outreach Programme.
Tickets are available for the public at N$650 per person, includes a 3-course meal, light refreshments and entertainment.
More information can be obtained by contacting Lizelle van Schalkwyk at help@can.org.na or 061 237 740 or tickets are directly available at www.webtickets.com.na