top of page
Writer's pictureProject Flamingo Team

Mandela Day: Project Flamingo Aims for 30 Surgeries in One Day

Updated: Jul 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

Project Flamingo attempts a new record: 30 Breast Cancer Surgeries in a Single Day 

[Cape Town, South Africa] – 3 July 2024 

 

Project Flamingo is proud to announce an ambitious attempt to perform 30 breast cancer surgeries across two provinces in a single day. This monumental effort takes place on Saturday 13 July 2024 as part of their Mandela Day celebrations. Utilizing five teams at five public hospitals across two provinces, they aim to address the urgent need for timely cancer care in the Public Health sector and to bring hope to patients in need. 


Groote Schuur Hospital Surgery Team Breast Project Flamingo Mandela Day
The Project Flamingo Team at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital.

 

An Unprecedented Record Attempt: 5 Hospitals, 5 Teams, 1 Vision  On Saturday, 13 July 2024, Project Flamingo's dedicated teams will perform 30 breast cancer surgeries in a single day across five hospitals in the Western and Eastern Cape. This extraordinary effort involves: 

  • 5 Hospitals: Each hospital will host its dedicated volunteer surgical teams. Our hospitals include Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, George, Cecilia Makiwane (East London), and Livingstone (Gqeberha). 

  • 5 Teams: Highly skilled volunteer surgeons and anaesthetists, dedicated theatre nursing staff, and Flaminglet medical students will collaborate to deliver top-quality care. 

  • 1 Vision: A unified goal to provide timely, life-saving surgical interventions to breast cancer patients.   

This record attempt marks a significant milestone in the fight against breast cancer and sets a new benchmark for medical initiatives in South Africa. 






Mandela Day – Stronger Together 

 

Their campaign aims to: 

  • Reduce Waiting Times: By performing 30 surgeries in one day, we aim to help reduce the backlog of patients waiting for life-saving treatment. 

  • Raise Awareness: Highlight the critical issue of breast cancer in South Africa and the importance of early detection and treatment.  

  • Inspire Action: Encourage other organizations and stakeholders to take bold steps in improving cancer care across the country while also doing our bit by training the next generation of doctors in advocacy and cancer care through medical student involvement on the day. 



 

Breast Cancer in South Africa: A rising burden 

Project Flamingo is rooted in the belief that breast cancer care is a basic human right. South Africa’s Public Health system cannot manage the patient load, which means that many patients are caught in unacceptably long waiting periods for adequate breast cancer treatment. Surviving breast cancer has a widespread effect on the households and communities in which these women are often the breadwinners, mothers, and primary caregivers. As the most common cancer in the world (surpassing lung cancer), and the most diagnosed cancer among women in South Africa, 1 in 8 women is at risk of being diagnosed globally in their lifetime according to the World Health Organization’s latest statistics. It is documented that over 9000 new cases are diagnosed annually in South Africa. And despite its prevalence, well over 50% of patients in the Public Health sector present with late-stage disease. This reality combined with long waiting periods and a lack of infrastructure to cope with patient load nationally, significantly curbs the impact of efforts to provide equitable care. Resulting in unnecessary loss of life. 

 

Project Flamingo has for the past 14 years met this challenge head-on with catch-up surgeries, compassionate patient support, and advocacy programs, and is doing so again. 


Join Us in Making History 

We invite media, supporters, and the community to join us in this historic endeavor. Coverage and support of this event will not only amplify the impact of Project Flamingo's efforts but also inspire hope and action. 

 

14 Years of Dedication and Impact 

Project Flamingo has been a beacon of hope for breast cancer patients in the Public Health Sector for 14 years. Their mission is to ensure timely, compassionate, and effective treatment for all, and their track record speaks to their unwavering commitment. Over the years, they have reduced waiting times, provided critical support, and advocated for better breast cancer care across the country. Over 1500 surgeries later,they are committed more than ever to ensure patients get the care they deserve. 

 

Contact Information 

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: 

Lou-Ann Stone COO Project Flamingo  0842483200 Lou@projectflamingo.co.za www.projectflamingo.co.za 

 

Follow Us 

Stay updated on our progress and join the conversation on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectflamingosouthafrica  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectflamingo_sa/ 



George Hospital team at the 2023 Mandela Day attempt. (Photographer Andrew Basson)

 

[End of Press Release] 

 

Comments


bottom of page