Support group celebrates the journey of cancer survivors
The group shares experiences about their journey and support. They meet at the church on Cresta Road every second Saturday of the month from 2.30pm to 4pm
The Champions Sunward Park Cancer Support Group held their first annual fund-raising charity tea at the Trinity Community Church recently.
About 220 women, including cancer survivors and those who had lost their loved ones to cancer, attended the event.
A candlelight ceremony was held to remember those who have died due to cancer.
Guest speakers for the day included Pauline Layton, Andrew Eleftheriou and Joshua Switala, who shared their cancer journeys.
Layton is a true survivor, with her struggles against cancer dating back to 1988 when she underwent a mammogram, needle biopsy and a wedge resection on her left breast.
In 2010, the doctors found more tumours in her breast, which resulted in a double mastectomy.
This was not the end of her ordeal. Scans revealed tumours were also in her sternum, groin and the pericardium and in the lining of the heart.
“The doctor told me it was very rare if I survived. He said I had stage four cancer and had three months to live.
“I had the tumours removed by a thoracic surgeon. In August 2011, I started with radiation and chemotherapy.
“I received so much support from my friends and family, they really walked the treatment road with me. I underwent 23 treatments, but through all the struggles I survived.”
She said she started spending more time with her family and creating memories within that short period of time.
“In 2012, I came across an article about how lemons reduce cancer. I thought everything was worth a try, so I started drinking lemon and ginger drinks and eating lemon puddings.
“To my surprise, I am still alive seven years later all, probably, thanks to lemons.”
The ‘lemon lady’ encouraged people who have been diagnosed with cancer to appreciate each day and be positive, even when they are in pain.
Donations
A good Samaritan young woman, Michelle Tiharwo, and her friends donated 30 comfort packs containing aloe personal care products for people who are going through chemotherapy.
“I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life but I didn’t know how or where to begin. The other day someone came through at work and asked me if I knew about the fund-raising charity tea.
“I phoned the organisers and they told me the concept behind the fund-raising event and I knew from then that this was the organisation that I had to give back to,” Tiharwo said.
Cancer survivor Gwen Janse van Rensburg said the aim of the event was to bring together cancer survivors and their families and raise funds for the support group.
“We thank everyone who came to support us. This includes the church for allowing us to use this venue and our donors,” Janse van Rensburg said.
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