Member spotlight | John Sherratt shares how he found strength, support, and care in the hardest year of his life
For John Sherratt, 2023 began with an emergency that would change everything. In January, he rushed his wife, Rosemary, to Milpark Hospital after she suddenly lost movement and entered a semi-paralytic state. MRI scans revealed tumours on her brain, pressing against critical areas and impairing function. Further tests confirmed multiple melanotic tumours, which were treated with Gamma Knife therapy in an attempt to slow their growth. When the cancer later spread to her brain fluid, Rosemary required even more specialised interventions and care.
It was the beginning of a year filled with hospitals, treatments, and uncertainty, and one in which Profmed became not just a medical scheme, but a source of strength and compassion.
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A lifeline in crisis
“The hospital handled the initial contact with Profmed, and afterwards I was introduced to Nicolene, an Oncology Case Manager, who became my main point of contact,” John recalls. “She explained to me that only a short period before, Profmed had raised cancer to a higher level of cover. We were hugely appreciative of the clarity of what services were offered and covered.”
That clarity, and the immediate availability of support, gave John and Rosemary space to focus on each stage of treatment. “At the outset, the assistance across a broad front helped both Rosemary and I, emotionally and mentally, to cope with what we were facing,” John says.
For John, Nicolene’s presence was life-changing. She wasn’t just an administrator; she became a guide, a source of comfort, and at times, a prayer partner.
“Nicolene brought experience of such cases and gave valid and required understanding of the processes involved. She assisted in managing expectations at every step,” he explains. “But beyond that, she showed empathy and compassion, and she shared Biblical principles that helped me cope. She even gave me her cell number, and I was able to literally contact her at almost any time to get good, solid information and support. This combination of professional expertise and human care made the unbearable more bearable.”
Care that came home
One of the most profound moments for John and Rosemary came when Nicolene helped to set up hospice care at their home in Hartbeespoort Dam. “It was a massive boon to Rosemary and me, after so much time in hospital and a recovery institution,” John says. “All of it was guided and recommended from Nicolene’s experience and paid for by Profmed.”
Even when faced with challenges like doctors charging above medical aid rates, Nicolene’s knowledge and intervention ensured that John had the insight and confidence to navigate the system. “Her support was wonderful,” he reflects.
Unique cover, unique compassion
Looking back, John is clear about the difference Profmed made. “Profmed’s cover of cancer is quite unique in the industry,” he says. “I say this because I’ve spoken to many people on different schemes, and they were very positively encouraged when they heard what was available to us.”
Though Rosemary sadly passed away on 9 December 2023, John remains deeply grateful for the care, clarity, and compassion that carried them both through the hardest of times. “Eternally grateful — that’s how I feel,” he says.
