The festive season: a time for families to come together, relax and share moments of joy after a tough year – but, for thousands of South Africans diagnosed with cancer on long waiting lists to receive treatment, it’s a time of uncertainty and worry.
With 85% of South Africans reliant on the overstretched public health system, those diagnosed with certain cancers face years waiting for treatment.
The Johnson-Rose Cancer Foundation (JRCF) is South Africa’s first and only registered non-profit organisation dedicated to funding cancer care for uninsured cancer patients referred from state hospitals. The foundation depends on donations to put vital cancer treatment, transport and ancillary support services in place for these patients.
Nothing could serve as a greater gift this festive season than your support.
According to JRCF founder and specialist radiation oncologist Dr Sudeshen Naidoo, “A monthly donation of just R100 a month will enable us to extend vital cancer care services to more patients throughout 2025. No matter how modest, these recurring gifts create a sustainable foundation that allows us to provide life-changing support ranging from treatment to transport assistance for beneficiaries. R100 a month can help save a life.”
Who will your donation help? Ordinary South Africans like Lilian
“One of the patients the foundation has assisted is Lilian,” recounts Dr Naidoo. “A domestic worker in Durban and a mother of three, who faced serious financial barriers to treatment when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to a private-sector radiation therapy service provider that the foundation engaged, Lilian was able to access the treatment she required.
“The foundation further stepped in to support Lilian, as she was unable to afford the daily costs of travelling on public transport to access treatment. With door-to-door transport provided by the foundation, Lilian completed her radiation therapy.”
A multidisciplinary approach to family support
JRCF support includes funding chemotherapy, radiation, transport, accommodation, counselling and palliative care referrals to those in need.
“We understand that cancer affects not just the patient but the entire family,” says Dr Naidoo. “Our goal is to provide a network of support that addresses the financial, emotional and logistical challenges that come with most cancer diagnoses.”
With only 15% of oncologists working in the public sector, the JRCF also funds bursaries to urgently expand the oncology workforce.
Will you be a Hero for Hope?
In conclusion, Dr Naidoo says: “I started the foundation as an individual directly touched, as so many of us have been, by cancer. I named it in memory of my late father Johnson, and my aunt Rose – both of whom passed away from cancer. With treatment out of reach for so many of the South African population, I sought a way to bring hope to families who had seen no reason to hope before. For everyone who has supported us or supports us now to further this goal, you have my heartfelt thanks.”
If you would like to become one of the JRCF’s 100 new donors, click here.