Tea helps raise R6 000 for the Cansa Relay For Life
The event aimed to raise awareness of cancer as well as educating women about the importance of knowing their bodies.
Global Hero of Hope 2019 for the Cancer Association of South Africa and Cansa representative, Sonia Pretorius and her team hosted the Mommy and Me Ladies Tea at the Kideo@Cube on August 17.
Some of the attendees wore stunning pink outfits to express their moral support for women with breast cancer.
R6 000 was raised during the event and will go towards the Cansa Relay For Life.
During the event guests were showed how to examine their breasts to check for changes, such as lumps or thickenings.
Furthermore, they were told to look at and feel both breasts and if they notice anything unusual they should consult their doctors.
Pretorius, who was 27 years old when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, shared her story as a survivor.
“When I was 15 years old my father was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and it was a long fight of 16 years.
“It was during this journey, with the many hospital visits, that I was made aware of the importance of proper equipment, correct diagnoses and lifestyle changes that are needed for the entire family to win this fight.”
Pretorius said that because her family has been on this very hard journey before, she did not tell anybody about her diagnosis until she was in remission.
“It was only after my first Cansa Relay For Life, seven years ago, that I felt empowered and was able to open up about my own diagnosis.
“I was in awe of how Cansa Relay For Life celebrated survivors and caregivers. Even though I attended every event after that, I only walked my first Survivors’ Lap in 2017 when I became the event chair for Cansa Relay For Life East Rand.
“Being the event chairperson has given me the opportunity to meet the most inspiring, bravest people and I am reminded daily that I have to fight for my community because if I don’t then who will?” she said.
Caregiver, Hannelie Zietsmann also shared her moving story of how her son was diagnosed with bone marrow acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Guests won amazing prizes worth R10 000. Prizes included beauty vouchers, photo shoots, weekend getaways and Sorbet vouchers.
ALSO READ: Cansa Relay for Life raises half a million for a good cause
