At the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre we want to help people thrive, not just in body, but in mind and spirit too. Even with the best treatment and care, the reality is chemotherapy has side effects. One of these is hair loss, which for some people, feels like a loss of dignity.
But now with the generous support of the Pranjivan family, and an amazing event the Tour de Fight BACC, a real difference will be made to patients sense of well-being by helping them keep their hair, thanks to funding for a scalp cooling device.
The Pranjivan family have contributed as a gesture of appreciation for the care given to the late Mrs Sushila Pranjivan over many years.
In expressing his gratitude for the family’s gift, Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Shane White, one of the centre’s staff who cared for Mrs Pranjivan, said the scalp cooling device will be used during chemotherapy for certain types of cancer and can help reduce hair loss.
Mr Ratilal Pranjivan, his daughter Sangita, son Paresh and other family members attended the ONJ Centre recently to view the wooden block bearing Sushila’s name that now forms part of Olivia’s Circle Recognition Wall situated in the centre.
Mr Pranjivan said he and his family were extremely grateful to the staff that cared for his wife for more than a decade. “We know that the donation we have made will be used to help others who are going through difficult times, so we are glad to be able to help in this way. I hope other people will follow our lead and do what they can to assist this wonderful organisation” he said.