A Volunteer’s Journey: Empowering Hope with Estée Lauder’s Breast Cancer Campaign

On a warm African autumn morning, I had the privilege of volunteering with Estée Lauder as part of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign—an initiative dedicated to creating a breast cancer-free world. For over 30 years, this campaign has been a catalyst for change, supporting more than 60 organizations globally, including in South Africa, to address the unique needs of local communities.

In 2017, to mark the campaign’s 25th anniversary, ELC renovated and beautified the Oncology Clinic at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. Building on this commitment, ELC South Africa launched its next facility upgrade project in 2022 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital’s Batho Pele Clinic. Understanding the importance of this initiative, ELC partnered with the Dis-Chem Foundation and Plascon to transform the space, ultimately enhancing the experience of the hundreds of patients who visit the clinic annually for treatment.

On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, the first phase of this revitalized clinic will be unveiled in a formal ceremony attended by executives from The Estée Lauder Companies, the Dis-Chem Foundation, and Plascon, all led by Dr. Nivashini Muragan, Breast Surgeon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The second phase of the project will extend the renovations into the Female Surgical Ward, set to begin in the coming weeks, further improving the environment for patients and medical staff alike.

By investing in these vital spaces, we are not only supporting healthcare professionals but also bringing hope and dignity to those facing breast cancer.

It’s #TimeToEndBreastCancer.