In a bold move to expand the national support structure for people living with cancer in South Africa, Janie du Plessis, a well known TV personality, cancer survivor and lobbyist has been appointed as the CEO of People Living With Cancer (PLWC). This organisation is the umbrella body of several leading, survivor driven, cancer support initiatives in our country.
Janie du Plessis has worked as a volunteer in the cancer arena for 15 years. Understanding the need for urgent change, she has passionately participated with other volunteers in developing colourful and dynamic initiatives that educate and create cancer awareness in South Africa. Her sustained efforts make her the ideal candidate to take on this massive task.
“We have grown to such an extent over the past 18 months that it has become evident that we need to put a strong and effective leader and team in place to take us further. We are delighted to have Janie on board,” says Carl Liebenberg, one of the founding members of PLWC.
Janie commented on her appointment saying: “Cancer is a worldwide epidemic that kills more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Six million people die from this disease annually and the frightening reality is that millions don’t even know about the illness. There is a lot of work to be done with regards to advocacy, awareness, education, screening, prevention, patient support and survivorship.
PLWC facilitates and collaborates with other organisations and projects, building innovative partnerships which ensure that more effective cancer care services are provided within South Africa. Several cancer related NGO’s are standing together and strengthening the voice of cancer patients in South Africa, without losing their identity and focus of their own projects.