24/03/2023
Dear Friends of Hospicare Renal,
World Kidney Day was celebrated globally in second week of March 2023 with the key theme of Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected; supporting the vulnerable.
Our team at Hospicare Renal in Roodepoort hosted a fun-filled and educational family picnic for our patients suffering from chronic kidney disease who receive lifesaving dialysis 2-3 times a week, for 4 hours.
It was great to interact as human beings outside in the beautiful setting of Walter Sisulu Botanical gardens, located just around the corner from our renal unit. We all had our party shoes on and Doctor Makhotso Moabi, our resident Nephrologist, shared the overview of chronic kidney disease, the journey of dialysis and kidney transplantation in the current South African context followed by an interactive Q&A. We had the inspirational voice of Nikki Laue who inspired everyone by willingly donating her kidney to a total stranger on 21 February 2023. Needless to say, they are now family and strangers no more as her kidney is now called the “pocket rocket girly kidney” performing at a 100% in Andrew, the recipient’s body.
Stella de K**k and her team from TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies) were also there to inform our patrons of the importance of becoming a living- or deceased donor. Zane, the “Zunicorn” mascot, took pictures with the children, encouraging all to consider: “sharing your spare”.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and made this special day a reality, including our team, patients and their families. We hope to make this an annual event in Roodepoort.
We would like to also thank our co-sponsors, business partners and well doers in the Roodepoort community who extended a philanthropic hand:
- Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) for sponsoring Lapeng Lapa and giving our guests free access to enjoy their beautiful park.
- Hospicare Frail Care Nursing team for offering free health screening to patrons visiting the botanical gardens.
- JJE Medical Distributors for their unwavering efforts to make the day joyful and their sponsorship towards picnic boxes for our patients.
- Pathcare Laboratories for the support, presence, and sponsorship of Zane
- Adcock Ingram Critical Care for their presence and sponsorship towards picnic boxes to our patients.
- Lancet Laboratories for sponsoring the Infographics containing Kidney Health- and Donor facts in South Africa.
- Marlin Manufacturing Laboratories for sponsoring picnic boxes for our patients.
- Talisman Tool Hire in Roodepoort who stepped in with a free back-up generator.
- Food for Thought for their scrumptious catering.
- Our patients and their families who are dedicated and continue to fight for living their best lives with kidney disease.
- The Roodepoort Record for telling our story.
With gratitude,
Hospicare Renal team in Roodepoort
