“Hospice is only for the old and dying” they say, well in many ways that is incorrect. Hospice does not discriminate against anyone in terms of age, and Chatsworth hospice is a perfect example of that.

For today’s article we managed to have a chat with Roxane Naicker who was a patient at Chatsworth hospice from the age of 7. She was diagnosed with Osteogenic sarcoma, which is a tumour of the spine (cancer).

Children’s cancer in most forms is far more aggressive than the kind adults have to deal with, and instead of weeks of chemotherapy, she underwent 5 years of it, from the age of 7 until the age of 12, as well as experiencing radiotherapy at the age of 9. This was not easy for her, and she tries not to remember the experiences she had to go through those years back at such a young age. However what she does recall is the amazing difference Chatsworth Hospice made in her life from the young age of 7 all the way to her current age of 24.

While she was a patient those years ago and on the treatment, she recalls how Chatsworth Hospice was really supportive. The treatment helped her tremendously, the nurses and doctors were all so loving and passionate, and whenever she needed to go to the hospital there was always a driver from Chatsworth Hospice willing and ready to take her.

“I recall people believing that when one has cancer it is the end of your world and that you will die tomorrow! However Chatsworth Hospice addressed these, at times, realistic and unrealistic fears with my parents and I.” Roxanne stated.

10 years later, after being in and out of hospital and getting the amazing care from Chatsworth Hospice, she won her battle and is free of the cancer. Roxanne was able to successfully complete her matric and got her driver’s license as well.

“Chatsworth Hospice is like a family, I know it sounds like a cliché but it really is. 10 years on I still visit this hospice every Wednesday for a day filled with activities that really make me feel good about life; all I can say is thank you to Chatsworth for everything, and I mean everything that they have done for me.” She concluded.

Love the difference Chatsworth Hospice are making in peoples lives? Get involved here.