Global Access to Cancer Care Foundation (GACCF) www.globalaccf.org announced today that Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, South African writer, and activist, Zoleka Mandela, is joining the global medical humanitarian organization as an Ambassador to raise awareness about GACCF’s lifesaving cancer education and treatment programs around the world.

As a GACCF Ambassador, Mandela will use her voice to advocate for GACCF’s work in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). She will also educate the public about GACCF’s mission to educate physicians and medical specialists who work in the field of oncology and highlight the foundation’s role in treating cancer in these countries, where more than 65 percent of all cancer deaths globally occur.

GACCF cancer care professionals help to implement and oversee training courses and workshops in collaboration with local partners such as universities, hospitals or governmental institutions that enhance cancer treatment through radiotherapy treatment – an essential component in more than 50 percent of all cancer patients, along with surgery and chemotherapy.

“We are proud to welcome Zoleka Mandela to our family as an Ambassador and spokesperson for our important work in countries where cancer education and treatment are desperately needed,” said Tonya Steiner, Executive Director of Global Access to Cancer Care Foundation. “Her passion and tireless commitment to speaking out about bringing access to early detection as well as care and treatment options for cancer patients around the world will be a tremendous asset to our organization. We are looking forward to the valuable insights she will bring to the foundation in our efforts to transform the lives of those receiving medical care in low and middle-income countries.”

GACCF’s goal is to increase global access to cancer treatment education, care, and support for people living with cancer on a global scale regardless of underlying demographics. In the most developed countries in the world, with the most advanced medical equipment and resources, cancer poses a major challenge to treat. Compare this to the lack of healthcare education and resources in the developing world, and it is easy to see how cancer becomes a bigger challenge in Asian, African and South American countries.

“I am very excited to represent GACCF as its Ambassador and cancer survivor to raise more awareness for those who are suffering from cancer because they don’t have access to adequate care and treatment,” said Mandela. “As a GACCF Ambassador, I want to use my influence to help beat cancer in the most vulnerable corners of the world. The solutions to treating cancer as a global problem are to educate caregivers and to make medical equipment more readily available for early diagnosis. This will translate to more appropriate lifesaving therapy.”

Zoleka Mandela was born in 1980 and is the daughter of Zindzi Mandela. Her mother’s family, the Mandela’s, are direct descendants of King Madiba of the Thembu people and serve as chieftains of Mvezo, their ancestral chiefdom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2012 and uses Instagram to bring awareness about breast cancer to give hope to other cancer survivors. In 2013 Mandela published her autobiography, ‘When Hope Whispers’. The book recounts the trials she has faced with her battle with cancer, the death of her daughter and her relationship woes. She remains passionate about educating young people about breast cancer, road safety and social responsibilities.

About Global Access to Cancer Care Foundation:
The Global Access to Cancer Care Foundation (GACCF) offers training, technology, access, and hope; specifically for low and middle-income countries (LMICs) in South America, Africa, South and East Asia. The Foundation’s cancer care professionals help to implement and oversee training courses and workshops in collaboration with local partners such as universities, hospitals or governmental institutions that enhance cancer treatment through radiotherapy treatment. These regional programs aim to overcome the lack of trained professionals who treat cancer patients in the near term. By empowering local faculty to deliver training, the GACCF education programs encourage self-reliance and sustainability. To support the success of these programs, the GACCF provides project management, financial support, and professional teams from within and outside the region.