Endurance for empathy
Nedbank backing for PurpleDot
Picture an expansive desert, seemingly endless, with towering dunes and challenging terrains. Beyond the landscape, this is also a metaphor for the journey taken by many Namibians who live with a stoma. It's a path filled with obstacles, yet one that holds the promise of reaching an oasis of understanding and support, much like the Nedbank Desert Dash.The longest single-stage mountain bike race in the world goes live this coming Friday for its 19th year, and once again, it will take cyclists on a daunting 397 km journey through the world’s oldest desert.
The PurpleDot Project is the brainchild of a dedicated private nurse practitioner who specialises in stoma care and is herself an ostomate.
The problem in Namibia is stark. Those who undergo life-altering surgeries resulting in stomas, such as a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, face physical challenges, societal stigma and a lack of adequate medical support.
Limited awareness
Living with a stoma (a surgical opening created for the elimination of waste) changes an individual’s life drastically because they have to adapt to a new way of managing their bodily functions. Yet, in Namibia, awareness around this issue is limited, support is scarce and medical expertise in this field is in dire need. The gap between the needs of ostomates and the resources available to them often leaves them feeling isolated and misunderstood.
PurpleDot wants to address this vital need.
PurpleDot is anchored in a crucial necessity to address and alleviate the challenges faced by individuals who have undergone an ostomy. Their mission is to offer holistic care, education and a supportive community in their region, with the objective of demystifying stoma-related conditions among the public and enhancing the quality of life for those with stomas.
The Nedbank Desert Dash itself is a symbol of the journey ostomates face – it's challenging and requires immense strength and endurance. For the team, each pedal stroke is a step towards breaking down barriers and fostering understanding and support for those living with stomas.
Teaming up
The team of enduring and healthcare professionals, comprising doctors Frikkie Botha and Karl Frielingsdorf, who are both based in Namibia, and professors Chris Mulder and Maarten Jacobs, who are based in the Netherlands, find time to train in contrasting environments – from the cold, muddy terrains of Amsterdam to the rugged landscapes of Windhoek.
Speaking about the training, Dr Botha remarked: “The most significant challenge we face is finding the time to train extensively, given the extremely long hours we work. This is crucial to preparing ourselves for a major event like the Nedbank Desert Dash.”
Nedbank's sponsorship of the PurpleDot Team in the Nedbank Desert Dash has been crucial because it gives the financial backing that will enable the team to participate, while also bringing a spotlight to the cause.
Nedbank's involvement highlights the significance of corporate responsibility in social health initiatives, setting an example for other organisations to follow. Dr Botha added that “Nedbank's support has impacted the team's efforts through their contribution to the Davin Sports Trust. Through their generosity, one of our team members was able to buy a ticket for this event. For this, we are incredibly thankful.”