It’s time to roll your best shots for a cause that matters with the East London Ladies’ Circle 23 (ELLC 23) calling on all bowls enthusiasts — whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player — to join forces and help them hit their R10,000 fundraising target for a breast cancer patient’s life-saving surgery.
Hosted by ELLC 23, “Bowling for Boobies” is set to take place on October 26, during Breast Cancer Awareness month at Gonubie Bowling Club and aims to provide at least one patient with a timeous lifesaving surgery through breast cancer organisation, Project Flamingo.
ELLC 23’s project leader Debranette Penny said the organisation was driven by passion to make a difference in the lives of those fighting against aggressive illnesses and that the main objective of this event was not only to raise funds but encourage increased awareness of the importance of early diagnoses and treatment.
Penny said: “Bowling for Boobies is all about doing some good while having a blast. We aim to raise awareness and money to support breast cancer surgery through Project Flamingo, which helps women who can’t afford these procedures.
“We are rallying the troops, and their bowling balls, to get the community involved in supporting the cause. It is about having fun while making sure no one has to face breast cancer alone, or without the help they need.”
The event goal of R10,000 will be enough for one surgery, but if this can goal can surpassed, more women can be assisted.
Penny said: “We are planning a whole day of lawn bowls, laughter, and healthy competition, in the name of charity, taking over the Gonubie Bowling Club and packing it with food, drinks, prizes, an auction, and lots of bowling action.
“Every cent raised is going straight to Project Flamingo so, by joining us, you’re helping save a life and supporting those affected.
“Bowling for Boobies is proof that when a community comes together, we can make a real difference and if we can spark even more events like this one, that is just the cherry on top.”
Project Flamingo has been running for the last 14 years and has enabled 1,600 surgeries to be carried out in the public health sector.
In the public healthcare sector, long waiting periods means patients have constrained access to surgical expertise which exacerbates their cancer and increases chances of mortality.
Project Flamingo COO Lou Stone said: “Breast cancer needs immediate intervention but in the public health sector, this is not always possible which undermines the principal of treatment because it is crucial that patients be treated within certain time frames.
“When this does not happen, the disease can advance aggressively and become more difficult to treat, resulting in unnecessary loss of life. We aim to stop this unfortunate trajectory for as many women as we can.
“We find ways to raise funds, rope in additional doctors and expertise and facilitate availability of medical equipment to provide the surgeries because we firmly believe that timely cancer care is a basic human right.”
Project Flamingo also provides newly diagnosed patients with pamper packs containing treats and beauty products to boost patient moral and remind them of their inherent femininity despite difficult medical procedures such as mastectomies.
Local resident and 65-year-old breast cancer survivor, Anne Cameron, was helped by Project Flamingo and credits them for saving her life.
“I was there for two weeks altogether, the first three days they monitored me, then I had a double breast mastectomy. Project Flamingo staff were thorough with everything which enabled me to face my treatment with confidence.
“I would encourage everyone to support the work done by Project Flamingo because they are saving women’s lives and restoring the hope of patients across the country. To all patients praying for recovery — don’t give up. There are organisations like Project Flamingo who are here to save your life. With them on your side you do not have a thing to worry about.”
All tickets are R150 pp for teams of four. WhatsApp Debbie on: 071-635-4182.
