We often report on personal stories from Elandsdoorn about how Hugo Tempelman and the Ndlovu Care Group help people to cope with their lives and illnesses on a daily basis. The fact that the Ndlovu Care Group is made up of people, helpers, who have to deal with the suffering, fears and needs of others on a daily basis fades into the background. They experience the harsh realities that the infection brings with it as part of their everyday work. The strain this places on employees often goes unnoticed. What are just statistics for others are faces, voices and stories for the employees on the ground. At the beginning of the month – on World AIDS Day – the employees of the Ndlovu Care Group held their own small memorial service. Employees have often had very personal experiences or impressions with patients. There is often not enough time to think about this in the stress of everyday life. On this day, the employees gathered to share memories. Memories of people, their own family members, friends who, despite all their efforts, did not win the battle. A red candle was lit for each person who was remembered and shared a story with the others. A yellow candle was dedicated to each person remembered who is living with HIV. For example, for a young woman whose call for help reached the staff from Tel Aviv these days. She went to Israel to work and was horrified to discover that she could not get her ARV medication there. In her panic, she wrote to the clinic in Elandsdoorn via WhatsApp and asked for help. Dr. Lucas immediately made contact with Tel Aviv and ensured that she received the appropriate treatment and support. A very touching message of thanks then reached the staff of the Ndlovu Care Group (see picture).
A wonderful little story. This and other events are the reason for the third candle that was lit: a white candle that is intended to illuminate the future with hope.
