There’s something truly special about seeing people unite for a common cause, fighting for a better world and better future. South African NGO Reach for Recovery (R4R) is the embodiment of this ethos, a real companionship of breast cancer survivors and volunteers.

 

Based on community and partnerships, R4R campaigns tirelessly to build support between those affected by breast cancer and members of the public in empathy with them.

 

It’s essential, as living with a breast cancer diagnosis is hard. The changes to body, mind and outlook are considerable and lasting, so being generously supported by a helping hand to build that inevitable “new normal” afterwards, is vital.

 

From 2025, World Cancer Day (February 4) will focus on taking positive action in the aftermath of a cancer battle, because people are always “more than a disease”.

 

R4R is in complete agreement, having supported and uplifted underprivileged breast cancer survivors for over 50 years, focussing their efforts not just on saving lives, but creating futures and confidence and a new way of living.

 

Through R4R’s Ditto Project, volunteers provide silicone breast forms to State hospital patients who have no access to medical aid, so cannot afford breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

 

At absolutely no charge, struggling South African breast cancer survivors are supplied with individually colour- and size-matched breast prostheses through the project, which is funded by the Power of Pink campaign.

 

This annual initiative, run every October by the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA) in association with Pick n Pay, gives R1 from each pink punnet of fresh mushrooms purchased at PnP stores nationwide to the Ditto Project.

 

At the end of January, they handed over R351 260 to Reach for Recovery for the purchase of more prosthesis (each unit costs over R3000) as well as care bags, which are handed out by the caring R4R volunteers when visiting women recovering in hospital.

 

“We are incredibly proud to have supported this initiative for 13 years, contributing millions of Rands to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those battling breast cancer,” says Pick n Pay’s Jacqui Peacock.

 

“The funds raised through this campaign help build a future filled with hope and courage for countless individuals. Together with our customers, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide support, inspire hope, and create a lasting positive impact in communities in need.”

 

Stephné Jacobs, National Chairperson of Reach for Recovery, was first introduced to the NGO after her own mastectomy. “I met so many shining examples of compassionate survival that I was inspired to embrace the new sisterhood and become part of it to ensure that new patients never feel alone.

 

“Every time I represent Reach for Recovery, I feel that I’m fighting back at the disease, empowering others to benefit from the support and educational services R4R provides. I believe that every woman should have access to this essential support service. It is free of charge, and anyone can refer a patient for support.”

 

SAMFA Chairperson, Ross Richardson, fully concurs that “surviving breast cancer is more than just medical survival, it’s about embracing a full, joyful life beyond the disease.

 

“We are delighted to be able to offer a helping hand to survivors post treatment,” he notes.

 

SAMFA has championed this cause for many years due to the link between eating fresh mushrooms and breast cancer prevention. The Beckman Institute at the City of Hope Cancer Centre in California in 2010 found that eating just 10g of mushrooms a day more than halved people’s risk of developing breast cancer.

 

That translates to eating just one fresh button mushroom a day! And it is backed up by several anecdotal Asian population studies, which indicate that mushroom consumption appears to be inversely related to breast cancer risk.

 

See the Power of Pink recipes at https://bit.ly/31Tza3V to partake in the benefits. From Mushroom Souvlaki with Air Fried Za’atar https://rebrand.ly/bun2ydi to Baked Fish on Mushroom Risotto https://rebrand.ly/cj75ngo, you’ll find delicious mushroom recipes to help mitigate your health risks.

 

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