From Cancer Patient to Volunteer Doctor: Meet Dr. Alista Easton

Anaesthetist Dr. Alista Easton was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old. Her journey has made her thankful for everything she's received as a patient. She was inspired to give back and was part of the founding team (and still is) at George Hospital in 2023. The rest is history!

Dr Alista Easton, anaesthetist and Project Flamingo Volunteer

1. What inspired you to get involved with Project Flamingo?

For me, Flamingo hits very close to home. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years of age. I remember waiting for my surgery, it felt like forever, even though it was just a week! Some of our government patients wait for months and months. That period of waiting is excruciating and awful. Imagine experiencing that for months?

A few months after completing treatment, I came across Project Flamingo on social media. They promoted timely surgery with dignity. Wow! I wanted to get involved ASAP.

The ideal was getting Flamingo in George, but how? I needed a surgeon to help - an anaesthetist can do nothing without a surgeon. It took a while to get someone, and eventually Dr Chanel Changfoot came along. Together with her, Dr Anna Wang andSsr Averell Ntoni, we were able to bring Project Flamingo to the Garden Route. Our first list was on 18 Feb 2023. Now, we are just going from strength to strength thanks to the hard work of Dr Kevin Polden.

2. What does ‘making a difference’ mean to you in the context of volunteering here?

We provide an essential service in a timely manner. The extra time we give to our patients gives them extra time and hope. We are a hearty and caring group that just wants the best for our patients. We gain patients' trust with our positive attitude.

3. Was there a specific moment or Flamingo story that stuck with you?

Everything Flamingo sticks, everything is memorable.

4. How does being part of this mission impact you professionally or personally?

It gives me purpose! I feel that I am giving back. It also makes me thankful for the care I received. It makes me thankful for the small things in life.

5. In one word, how would you describe the team spirit on surgery day? Why that word?

Energy - everyone just functions at the next level. We are like Duracell bunnies that just keep going.

6. What has volunteering here taught you about healthcare in South Africa?

There are a lot of people who care "a helluva lot"! Despite all our differences, we work together for a better tomorrow. We are a resilient bunch that stands tall during tough times.

7. If you could change one thing about the public perception of breast cancer care, what would it be?

   If you feel it, investigate it! My lump was small and did not clinically fit a cancer diagnosis. A fat gland, they said. But I had an uneasy feeling. If I didn't investigate it when I did, my story might have been different. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your prognosis will be.
   

8. What gives you hope in the face of the challenges we see in the public healthcare system?

   My colleagues. Each one of them forms an integral part of our healthcare system. Without them, our system will surely fail! They give me hope because they work so hard to serve the citizens of our country.

   
   

🔥 Quick Fire Questions:

• Tea or coffee on surgery day? Coffee! If you didn't have coffee... did you even Flamingo?

• Best snack between cases? Snack? NO! Coffee!

• What’s always in your pocket? So many pens...

• One song that sums up the Flamingo vibe?

  Seeing that anaesthetists are the self-proclaimed DJs of theatre, I have 3 songs that I want to mention:

  a) Closing Time by Semisonic. When we start to finish up with the last patient of the day, we play this song.

  b) Paradise by Coldplay. Patients get to request a song before we start with anaesthesia. One patient requested this gem. Oh my goodness., goosebump moment. The patient went to sleep calmly and totally at peace! Tears all round.

  3) Stand by you by Rachel Platten. This is actually the message I want to convey to every person/patient out there. We will stand by you, you are not alone! In your darkest days, we are there FOR YOU and WITH YOU!

Here are some highlights Dr Easton shared with us.