Cancer is a blight that affects the entire family, taking a physical, emotional and mental toll on the person diagnosed and the ones they hold near and dear to them. As such the treatment for cancer requires a holistic approach, not only for the physical but also mental and emotional.
On the occasion of the celebration of the Cancer Association of Namibia’s (CAN) Golden Jubilee celebrations, Standard Bank recommitted its support to the Circle of Hope initiative that is aimed at supporting families affected by cancer.
Standard Bank’s Head of Marketing, Communication and CSI, Magreth Mengo, illustrated the bank’s commitment by handing over an astounding sponsorship of N$150 000 to the initiative.
“The shock of a cancer diagnosis and the demands of treatment puts immense strain on not only the patient but also their closest relationships with friends and family members. As such we firmly believe in the efforts of the Circle of Hope, counsellors can help cancer patients, their caregivers and family members’ tools to manage psychological distress, depression, anxiety and adjustment issues,” she said of
She stressed that the Bank is intent on making a lasting national impact towards the fight against cancer. The Bank previously collaborated on other various campaigns, such as the Save Your Skin campaign, however realised that psycho-oncological counselling plays a vital role in the fight against cancer
“This initiative is aptly named because hope is important as it allows people to approach problems with a mind-set and strategy suitable for success, thereby increasing the chances they will actually accomplish their goals. So let us continue building our Circle of Hope,” Mengo explained.
CAN’s Chairperson, Saima Nambinga, commended everyone who has been a supporter of the association, noting that their determination and resilience is what has kept the association growing form its infancy over the past 50 years.
“We have all directly or indirectly fallen victim to either the loss or affliction of a very close loved one owing to this deadly disease… More often than not this cancer pestilence has invigorated the efforts of the Cancer Association of Namibia and the resolve of our membership. Association continues to serve as a significant point of convergence of all your efforts and greater membership in cancer control. We trust that the association has and will continue to discharge its objectives with distinction,” she stressed
She concluded that the association, together with all the support of its stakeholders, remains steadfast, strong and committed to the fight for the past 50 years and forward.