Supporting 100 Cancer Patients in Casablanca

Introduction
The year 2024 was marked by numerous initiatives and innovations for the Dar Zhor Association. Thanks to the commitment of its team of 40 expert volunteers, its permanent staff, and the support of its partners, Dar Zhor continues to play a key role in improving the quality of life for cancer patients living in precarious conditions in Casablanca.

Key Achievements in 2024

1. Total Number of Workshops and Intervention Hours

   • Workshops organized: 492
   • Intervention hours: 853

2. Beneficiaries

   • New beneficiaries in 2024: 214

3. Beneficiary Transportation

   • Transportation cards distributed: 132, with monthly support of approximately $20 per beneficiary.
   • Enhanced process to assess beneficiaries’ motivation before granting transportation cards.

4. Impact Study

   • Interviews conducted: 164 beneficiaries (2023 and 2024).
   • Initiated interviews with caregivers to assess the family impact of the illness.
   • Quantitative report: Scheduled for January 2025.
   • Final report: Scheduled for May 2025.

Activity Details by Category

1. Nutrition and Cooking Workshops

   • Cooking workshops: 8 sessions, 50 beneficiaries.
   • Nutrition groups: 3 groups, 32 beneficiaries.
   • Individual nutrition counseling: 14 sessions for 14 beneficiaries.

2. Onco-Aesthetic Services

   • Total sessions: 31
   • Beneficiaries: 76
   • Makeup workshops: 4 sessions, 31 participants.

3. Sports and Wellness Activities
   The therapeutic sports offering expanded to 10 disciplines. Results by activity include:

   • Shin Taido: 10 workshops, 80 beneficiaries.
   • Tai Chi: 16 workshops, 144 participants.
   • Chi Qong: 16 workshops, 160 beneficiaries.
   • Breathing Yoga: 21 workshops, 210 beneficiaries.
   • Yoga: 12 workshops, 72 participants.
   • Ten-Shi Tessen: 14 workshops, 112 participants.
   • Laughter Yoga: 19 workshops, 228 participants.
   • Dance Therapy: 3 workshops, 19 participants.
   • Yoga for Men: 7 workshops, 42 participants.
   • Restorative Yoga: 2 workshops, 12 participants.

4. Art Therapy Workshops

   • Total workshops organized: 18
   • Participants: 138

Innovations and New Initiatives

1. Introduction of New Workshops

   • Caregiver workshops: 4 sessions, 21 participants.
   • Additional therapies: Dance therapy, yoga for men, music therapy.

2. Team Strengthening

   • Integrated two new volunteer nutritionists to lead nutrition and cooking workshops.

3. Development of Supportive Care

   • Increased diversity in activities.

Impact of Actions

1. Improved Quality of Life

   • Reduced stress and better management of treatment side effects through activities.
   • Genuine engagement from beneficiaries in the impact study.

2. Enhanced Visibility

   • Recruited a project manager with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry to improve visibility and relationships with specialist doctors.
   • Implemented a targeted awareness strategy for public and private healthcare providers to direct patients toward the association and recommend participation in supportive care programs.

Challenges for 2025

1. Increase in Beneficiaries

   • Goal: Welcome 30 new beneficiaries per month.
   • Develop a targeted communication strategy and partnerships with healthcare professionals.

2. Improved Activity Regularity and Monitoring

   • Ensure each beneficiary regularly follows the program defined upon integration.
   • Address patient constraints related to treatment (fatigue, surgery, chemotherapy).

3. Optimization of End-of-Care Process

   • Establish a clear protocol for post-care follow-up after one year.

4. Strengthening Financial Partnerships

   • Develop long-term collaborations to ensure financial stability.

5. Acquisition of a Larger Facility

   • Request support from local authorities for a space better suited to the increased number of activities and beneficiaries.

6. Enhancing Public Awareness

   • Educate the public and healthcare professionals about the impact of supportive care on patients’ quality of life.

Next Steps for 2025

1. Finalization and publication of quantitative and qualitative impact reports, followed by communication on the findings.
2. Continuation of awareness efforts, particularly within medical settings.
3. Exploration of new therapies and initiatives to expand the association’s impact.

Conclusion
Despite the challenges faced, 2024 marked significant progress in Dar Zhor’s efforts to provide tailored supportive care to cancer patients. With a strengthened team, strategic partnerships, and constant innovations, Dar Zhor remains committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families.