At Project Flamingo, our strength lies in our dedicated volunteers who provide compassionate support to our patients and medical teams. Today, we are excited to introduce Magdaleen Esterhuyse, one of our incredible patient support volunteers at Tygerberg Hospital, where she also works as a Senior Admin Clerk in the Department of Surgery.
Her compassion, kindness, and positive outlook make her a vital part of the Flamingo Family. Her presence is a source of comfort and encouragement to patients before and after their surgery.
When did you first join Project Flamingo?
I began my volunteer journey at Project Flamingo in September 2023.
Is there a particular Flamingo moment or memory that stands out for you?
"The resilience and determination of the Flamingo patients. Despite facing huge challenges, they inspire me with their courage and teach me valuable lessons about strength, hope, and the human spirit."
What in your life do you feel most grateful for?
I feel deeply grateful each day, filled with opportunities and simple joys. As I begin my day, I’m met with life’s simple pleasures — warm sunshine, kind strangers, and the love of those closest to me. Today, I choose to focus on the good, appreciate the little things, and spread kindness wherever I go.
You spend a lot of time with our patients in the wards as a patient support volunteer. What has this time with them taught you?
The patients have taught me valuable lessons about resilience, kindness, and the importance of human connection. They inspire me with their strength, courage, and unique perspectives on life.
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul. I find joy in connecting with nature through outdoor activities. I love expressing myself through writing, needlework, photography, and crochet. Whether I’m crafting, creating, or simply spending time in nature, I find balance, harmony, and rejuvenation to return to my responsibilities with renewed energy.
Which personal quality or characteristic would you most want to be known or remembered for?
I want to be remembered as a kind and compassionate person who made a positive difference in the lives of others.
What advice do you have for young people starting their medical careers?
My advice to young medical professionals is simple:
Remember why you started: to make a difference in people's lives.
Be curious, open-minded, and kind.
Put your patients first.
Take care of yourself too.
What is the best advice someone has ever given you? And did you follow it?
The best advice was from my father, who said, ‘Greet everyone; it doesn’t cost you anything,’ or in Afrikaans, ‘Met jou hoed in jou hand gaan jy deur die land.’ He taught me the value of kindness, respect, and warmth towards others. I’ve taken his advice to heart and made it a habit to greet everyone I meet. A simple greeting can brighten someone’s day and create a positive atmosphere. I believe this small act of kindness improves relationships and leaves a positive impact on those around me.
What is the one thing you want your patients to know?
I want the patients to know that they are not alone in their healing journey. By supporting and encouraging one another, they can create a powerful and positive community that accelerates healing, gives hope, and inspires resilience.
Is there a philosophy you live by?
Absolutely, I live by the philosophy of ‘speaking life and not death.’ To me, this means choosing to speak positively and upliftingly, rather than negatively or critically. I believe that the words we speak have the power to shape our reality, inspire others, and create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion. By speaking life, I aim to encourage, motivate, and uplift those around me. I strive to focus on the good, and I’ve seen the impact it can have on individuals.
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