DL Link lays foundation for holistic cancer support centre

CHANDREA SEREBRO

The DL Link’s Three Cs fundraising gala dinner held at Summer Place in Sandton this week has become an institution in the DL Link family. Sponsored by Liberty Life, speakers offered hope and upliftment to the crowd, peppered with some comic relief from comedian Nik Rabinowitz.

Julian Katz is the architect translating DL Link’s vision into a reality. Caregiver to his daughter, Hannah, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last year, Julian spoke about Hannah’s journey from diagnosis to St Jude, a leading children’s hospital in Memphis, for treatment, and her recent remission.

Julian recalled his introduction to DL Link. “One day, I arrived at the hospital, steeling myself for my daughter’s pale, thin face. Instead, I found Hannah laughing, her room filled with fantasy balloon creations as she giggled with Terri from DL Link. She and DL Link joined us on this journey, and often had the answers before we even knew the questions.”

At St Jude, they experienced the kind of world-class love and support that they believe is a pre-requisite for patients at home, and something that DL Link can offer to its warriors.

Brenda Stern, a warrior who met DL Link at one of its renowned spa days, also told her tale. She was about to go for surgery, chemo, and radiation at the time of DL Link’s Jerusalem Marathon campaign. Then and there, she committed to running it in 2018. She has since crossed the finish line twice, overcoming her cancer. “DL Link understands that it’s not about life after cancer, it’s about loving life during cancer.”

Over and above a memorable night of tears, laughter, and triumph, the organisation unveiled its plans for the new DL Link Refoel Centre at 90 George Avenue, Sandringham, which is currently under construction.

The custom-designed centre will offer DL Link patients and their families a supportive home away from home. “Our vision has become reality. We’re laying the foundation for our new centre of support and love, a place patients can go to be held,” says Michelle Goodman, who founded DL Link in honour of her daughter, Devorah Leah, who made it her mission to reach out to others as she bravely fought her battle.

“Our new DL Link Refoel Centre will accommodate ‘Hoping is Coping’ courses, spa days, yoga classes, reflexology and massage, kids activities and tutoring, a pool table, foosball, a movie cinema, and so much more.

“It’s a safe place for patients to just drop in for a cuppa and a chat, a home away from home for our warriors to feel comforted and inspired,” says Goodman. The DL Link is holding a fundraising campaign on 30 and 31 August to help fund the project. Every donation will be tripled if it reaches its goal within 24 hours. To pledge your support, go to dllink.co.za