Elephants, the end of my treatment - Shirt 20

 

One of the first things I did when I received my Prostate Cancer diagnosis was to book a visit to Monze. I wasn't sure what effect the treatment would have and wanted to check out the situation particularly in relation to PIZZ School. While there, I came acrross this material displaying elephants.There is a lot that is wonderful about elephants. They are animals that look after each other. They are gentle giants and are my favourite animals.

It was therefore fitting to finish my radiotherapy wearing this shirt.

Patients are invited to mark the end of their treatment by ringing the bell. It was also an opportunity to thank the radiotherapy staff for looking after me and halting the progress of the cancer.

We have so much to be thankful for here in the UK. I have lost many friends in Zambia over the years – some might be still be with us if some of the facilities that we enjoy were available there.

Many children in Zambia die because of poverty. Undernourished children are probably the norm. These are not the children displayed in some of charity adverts who are close to starvation. They look healthy at first glance, but they are underweight and their diet lacks the nourishment needed. They are susceptible to disease and lack the resistence when disease strikes. For many getting to a hospital or clinic is difficult or impossible and they cannot afford to pay for medicine or treatment.

At PIZZ School the children receive a meal each day and if they become ill the project tries to ensure they they can receive treatment. This is only possible because of the funding provided by Transformation Through Education. Please consider sponsoring a child at PIZZ School or giving a donation.

My radiotherapy treatment finished at the end of August, since when my PSA results – initially 83.4 - have recorded two readings <0.1. I am very grateful for the treatment I have received. I am sure that if I had delayed, even for a short time, the outcome could have been very different.

I will continue to use my energy to help the children of Monze escape from the depths of poverty, but there is a long way to go.

With love and prayers,

Chris

Zambia and UK, how do they compare? Shirt 18

 

 

How do we compare two such different environments?

Poverty, lack of facilities and support infrastructure lead many to leave Zambia for an easier life. However if you like a climate where the maximum daily temperature is invariably mid twenties to low thirties, where the sun shines virtually every day throughout the year - 7 – 8 hours of sunshine represents a dull day! Maybe Zambia is for you.

I love the fresh fruit and vegetables which explode with vibrant scent as soon as you cut into them. As for the mangoes!! Well you have never lived until you've eaten a fresh mango just plucked off the tree. As for wildlife – the birds are bright, beautiful and plentiful. You have to head towards a National Park to see the giraffes, zebra, antelopes, lions, hippos etc. Although you might have to wait a while in Livingstone to allow the elephants cross the road! By the way the National Parks have no fences, but the animals are given some protection.

Personally I don't think that anyone would want to leave Zambia if it wasn't such an economically poor country.

PIZZ aims to help children and their families enjoy the life available in Zambia without having to worry that once again they will go to bed hungry. If you would like to help us achieve this aim please check out this link Transformation Through Education .

 

Best wishes,

Chris