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Beulah Jankelowitz, the National Coordinator of the breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery (R4R) and the beneficiary of the funds raised, expressed her association’s thanks to SAMFA, Pick ‘n Pay and Yucca Packaging, "As a group of volunteers, this kind of financial support is what allows us to continue making a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients. We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for their generosity and for ordinary people who supported the pink punnet initiative in Pick ‘n Pay stores. The funds raised this year will again be used to purchase silicone prostheses for women who can’t afford them but the extent of the funding will also allow us to harness sufficient staff to support survivors, patients and their families and extend our work further into needy communities throughout South Africa."
"We are delighted with the funds received," added Marian Hassal, breast cancer survivor and R4R volunteer, "Curing my breast cancer gave me a second chance. Everyday is a treasure and I am so grateful that I am able to share my experience with others through R4R."
Why are mushrooms involved with the cancer initiative? Research seems to indicate that mushrooms have breast cancer-fighting properties that could establish them as important partners in the battle to win this fight.
"It is because of these findings," explains SAMFA chairperson Ross Richardson, "that SAMFA and mushrooms added their voices to fight against cancer. Through the pink punnet promotion we created an awareness of the potential cancer-fighting properties of white button mushrooms as indicated by the research, and were able to combine it with a fund-raising drive to assist breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery. We are delighted to have been able to make a real difference. Our October 2010 pink punnet promotion raised R232,524 and we topped that initiative in October 2011 when our pink punnet promotion which raised a magnificent R380,620 for Reach for Recovery!"
Concluded Greta Treisman another breast cancer survivor and R4R volunteer, "Funding for Reach for Recovery is hugely important as it allows us to continue the work that we do. Working with and helping newly diagnosed patients made me realise I'm making a difference and it has given new meaning to my life."
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