Watch: Cancer survivors encouraged by courageous stories and uplifting support
On a mission to uplift cancer survivors and bring hope to the hopeless, Kempton Park based NPO Under His Covering hosted a Women and Men of Courage breakfast in Boksburg on October 18.
Cancer survivors and others who have faced challenges in their life shared their heartwarming testimonies at the event, which took place at News Cafe.
Under His Covering have been hosting these life-changing breakfast sessions since 2016 and usually draw a big crowd.
Carike Pretorius, founder of Under His Covering, said the aim of these gatherings is to restore joy and hope in people who are facing the harsh realities of life.
“Many people go through hurt, so our purpose is to motivate and inspire people who have been diagnosed with cancer not to give up but to look up. I believe if people fight cancer and do not just give up, they can beat it because it all starts with the mind,” Pretorius said.
Speakers on the day included Vanessa Campbell, Cindy Lee Vogel, Monique van der Walt, Ian Stephens, Gwen Janse van Rensburg and Carike Pretorius.
Stephens, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2006, said: “When I found out I couldn’t believe it because a few days before I was running around like a spring chicken. I was now told I was going to die in two weeks.
“Fortunately, my wife was with me and she immediately disputed what the doctor said. He wasn’t God to confirm when I would die she told him.
“My wife assisted in getting me to doctors and organising world-wide chain prayers for me. While I was in hospital I realised that the most important people in our lives are caregivers. As time went on, I began to take an interest in cancer, despite some people I met thinking this was crazy.
“I finished my radiation course and then went to injections. I lost 31 kilograms.”
Slowly, Stephens did regain his strength – in August 2009 he climbed Kilimanjaro and went on to run several marathons, including a half marathon and the Two Oceans one.
Van der Walt shared her story about the harsh times and abuse she went through whilst growing up, which included living on the street and becoming addicted to drugs.
Cancer survivor Gwen Janse van Rensburg, who runs a cancer support group in Sunward Park, said: “People’s lives were changed by the event and many people who were not informed about cancer were educated.”
Pretorius said their next project is making a dream come true for a 23-year-old man who was diagnosed with a metastatic melanoma at the age of 19. His biggest wish is to catch a fish.
“He apparently only has a few months to live, and so we would like the public to help us make his dream of catching a fish come true before he dies,” she said.
Anyone who is willing to assist should contact Pretorius on 072 292 4705.
Under His Covering reaches out to those traumatised by sexual abuse, sexual violence, rape and child molestation.
News Cafe’s owner, Mike van Vuuren, hosted the event free of charge in honour of his father who died of cancer. United Parcel Service (UPS) was also a sponsor of the event.
Pastors from several churches prayed for delegates during the event.
