Hope Foundation says thank you

HAVING reached its 25-year milestone, the Hope Foundation is saying thanks to all who invested in its vision, in aiding persons with Lupus, Arthritis and Sickle Cell.

Conveying this message was Founder and President of the Hope Foundation, Shelley Weir. However, before doing so, Weir discussed some of the challenges that may be faced by patients coming into the organisation.

“There are other factors that affect the lives of those affected. Nevertheless, let’s accept that these conditions are not limited to the patients, but they do affect the families, caregivers, partners and children as well.”

Highlighting these challenges more specifically, Weir stated, “The management of sickle cell has been a major concern for us, and has too often been ineffective, leading to behaviours in patients that sometimes border on breaking the law…

“We all know that once you hit that age of 40, arthritis in one form or another will make its presence felt. The general perception is that there is some resignation of life defined by intense pain.”

Furthermore, she noted that it was not uncommon to first hear of Lupus on diagnosis, and that the Hope Foundation was established in 1991 to give patients a voice, to influence policy and to ensure that the most up-to-date information is available for patients to survive.

“We were making it clear that the rights of patients were not to be trampled, and that systems had to be implemented to recognise and address the challenges of those persons affected,” said Weir.

Though it was thought by some to be an impossible dream, Weir said they did not take into account the fact the persons who would support us.

“As a fledging organisation, we did not approach the task without a plan… As for any other organisation, a strong network is essential ,especially in the formative years, and for Hope Foundation, there was no shortage of such support.”

For this, the Founder and President of the Foundation individually thanked every person and entity who would have paid a significant contribution in seeing the prosperity of the Foundation throughout its 25 years.

“To those persons we are recognising this evening, the confidence you have bestowed in us has not been lost or wasted... we are stronger as a result. You spoke and we listened, and you gave advice and we followed.

“The Foundation that you so graciously helped us to build increased our confidence, that is why today we want to salute you and give a very heartfelt thank you.”