In a spirited Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this Saturday—the first in two years due to the pandemic—the Cancer Concern Association (CCA) welcomed Dinaz van der Lans as its new Chairperson. She is voted in by members and is set to spearhead the association’s missions through 2024, alongside a diverse and energetic executive committee.
Mrs. van der Lans is no stranger to CCA’s work, having served on the executive committee since 2020. “I have gained invaluable insights into the association’s work over the past two decades. While I initially had no intention of running for chair, I feel I have the time and the enthusiasm needed for this role,” she shared.
According to Mrs. van der Lans, the new committee represents an invigorating mix of seasoned members and fresh faces. “We aim to bring a new vitality to CCA, invigorated by innovative ideas and a reenergized approach,” she said.
Serving alongside Mrs. van der Lans are Vice-Chairperson Mirose Laurencine, Secretary Arlette Hoareau, Treasurer Meryl Clothilde, and members Maggie Bristol, Gina Laporte, Rosie Morel, Sasha Payet, Marie-Claude D’Unienville, and Kannusamy Naidu.
The chairperson laid out a sweeping agenda for the association, aiming to make CCA a household name. “We’ll focus on enhancing visibility, conducting health screenings for early detection, raising awareness about vital tests, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. We also plan to offer emotional, spiritual, and nutritional support to patients and their families,” Mrs. van der Lans elaborated.
The association will continue its long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Health, particularly its oncology unit, and other governmental bodies. Mrs. van der Lans also expressed her intent to revamp various support groups, including ‘Hope for Kids’ and the Praslin and La Digue Cancer groups.
CCA isn’t just about raising awareness; it also provides practical support and financial aid to patients, especially those seeking treatments abroad. Through generous donations and fundraising partnerships with organizations like Falcon Insurance and Pure FM, the association has been able to provide aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and even food supplies.
The freshly minted executive team will convene in the coming week to finalize their roadmap. “We’re keen to get the ball rolling,” Mrs. van der Lans stated.
The CCA welcomes new memberships with an annual fee of just R100. As it works toward establishing its permanent headquarters, the association currently operates from its office located on the second floor of the Espace Building. Soon, a full-time office manager will join to streamline membership processes and manage the helpline.