Tea time for cancer
What started out as a dream of creating awareness has turned into a remarkable event.
Imitating the Australian event, which is about getting people together to not only donate towards their various cancer associations, but also to create awareness of cancer, Violette Mureko brought the idea of Tea Party 4 Hope home in the hope of inspiring and getting Namibians to be aware about cancer.
The first tea party was hosted in 2015 with only 40 people in attendance.
This, however, did not discourage the organisers from their vision. This year they hosted their third party with a higher attendance. “I lost a sister in law to breast cancer in 2013. It was a very painful process because it was my first time seeing someone just wasting away.
The strength she had on her sick bed gave me the passion to start something for the Namibian women and also to let the men in since cancer doesn't discriminate,” said the founder Mureko.
Namibia's Biggest Tea Party 4 Hope works hand in hand with the Cancer Association of Namibia with the core focus to create awareness of cancer in Namibia, and to fight cancer to the best of their abilities through various media such as handing out pamphlets and assisting cancer patients emotionally, physically and financially as best possible through their journey.
Every year, from the 300 types of cancers known, the organisers pick two which are thoroughly discussed at the event.
With breast cancer on the rise in Namibia, it was one of the topics as was cervical cancer.
“The symptoms are easily detectable and everyone can do self-examination which could save their life. Feel your boobies and should you notice something different, go to the nearest medical centre,” said Mureko.
This year's tea party included comedian Mark, dancer Sasha and two designers Hafeni and Immanuel who had collections for men and women that spoke about awareness. Both designers said Namibian artists have a role in spreading the word and they pleaded with local artists to use their talents for a greater cause and to take part in such initiatives.
“The brave way for ladies showing how strong they are is usually by dressing up and men hardly do much besides moral support.
My collection is for men to go the extra mile and look good for their ladies too. That's why I did laced lingerie for men,” they said.
Immanuel's collection was inspired by ladies to still look good and embrace their bodies after battling cancer.
June Shimuoshili
The first tea party was hosted in 2015 with only 40 people in attendance.
This, however, did not discourage the organisers from their vision. This year they hosted their third party with a higher attendance. “I lost a sister in law to breast cancer in 2013. It was a very painful process because it was my first time seeing someone just wasting away.
The strength she had on her sick bed gave me the passion to start something for the Namibian women and also to let the men in since cancer doesn't discriminate,” said the founder Mureko.
Namibia's Biggest Tea Party 4 Hope works hand in hand with the Cancer Association of Namibia with the core focus to create awareness of cancer in Namibia, and to fight cancer to the best of their abilities through various media such as handing out pamphlets and assisting cancer patients emotionally, physically and financially as best possible through their journey.
Every year, from the 300 types of cancers known, the organisers pick two which are thoroughly discussed at the event.
With breast cancer on the rise in Namibia, it was one of the topics as was cervical cancer.
“The symptoms are easily detectable and everyone can do self-examination which could save their life. Feel your boobies and should you notice something different, go to the nearest medical centre,” said Mureko.
This year's tea party included comedian Mark, dancer Sasha and two designers Hafeni and Immanuel who had collections for men and women that spoke about awareness. Both designers said Namibian artists have a role in spreading the word and they pleaded with local artists to use their talents for a greater cause and to take part in such initiatives.
“The brave way for ladies showing how strong they are is usually by dressing up and men hardly do much besides moral support.
My collection is for men to go the extra mile and look good for their ladies too. That's why I did laced lingerie for men,” they said.
Immanuel's collection was inspired by ladies to still look good and embrace their bodies after battling cancer.
June Shimuoshili
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