25 Jul 2018

In an effort to raise funds for the noble cause of constructing a sanctuary for cancer patients in Gaborone, a Motswana woman, Duduetsang Chappelle-Molloy is scheduled to climb to the summit of the highest mountain on the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania,.

Speaking during the sponsorship launch hosted by Liberty Life Botswana on July 24 in Gaborone, Chappelle-Molloy said she sought to contribute to the project Happy Hearts that seeks to construct an interim home for children undergoing cancer treatment in Gaborone.

She said that she had lost a friend to cancer, and since they had already had the intention of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro together, she thought of going ahead to scale the Tanzanian landmark both in memory of her friend, as well as to raise funds for the battle against cancer.

“Initially there were a few of us, a group of friends who were meant to be together on this trip, with each due to contribute P50 000.  

But the others left, one by one; the last member quit just two weeks ago, as her new employer would not allow her the two weeks off work.  

I am now a lone hiker, but I have not been deterred, and I have been working on raising the P250 000 I want to contribute through the donations of individuals and companies,” Chappelle-Molloy said.

Refilwe Mogome, the Ladies Circle National President, added that a total of P3 million was needed to have the cancer home facility, and that through initiatives such as the Happy Hearts fundraising dinner held earlier in the year, which was attended by President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, donations were forthcoming.

For her part, Ms Lulu Rasebotsa, the managing director of Liberty Life Botswana said they were approached by Chappelle-Molloy and they were willing to assist, as they have previously been involved in noble causes before, including support for cancer awareness.

“Childhood cancer is on the rise in Botswana and some children and their caregivers have to travel long distances using public transport to the capital city to receive treatment. This adds on to what they already have to bear in their fight against cancer and according to Ladies Circle International, a majority of the diagnosed cases are from low income families; travelling to Gaborone and having to find accommodation to access treatment can prove to be very costly to the affected families,” Rasebotsa said.

She said that in light of this, the Happy Hearts project seeks to construct a dignified home to accommodate those affected and their families.  

Noting that the emotional effects of cancer diagnosis is often significant, she said having such a home could assist to ease the psychological burden on the children and their families.

Rasebotsa commended Chapelle-Molloy and wished her well on her trip, which is due to take place next month.

Representing the Cancer Association of Botswana, Maria Dunn, a pediatrician from the Baylor Pediatric and Oncology Unit at the Princess Marina Referral Hospital, said her unit would greatly benefit if the children’s home is constructed as their work of patient care entailed treatment and psychological support, capacity building and support for such children. ENDS