Meet the final group of nominees in our #StrongerTogether campaign, an empowering conversation about cancer.
Meg is nominating her son, Rorke (5).
“My son was two when he was diagnosed with a Ewing’s sarcoma, and there were signs of cancer in his bone marrow. His prognosis dropped from 80% to 20%. Today, 13 rounds of chemo and over 100 hospital days later, he’s two years clear!”
Frieda is nominating her grandson, Maritz Watkins (4).
“My grandson was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia, aged only 16 months. Since then I’ve been looking after him on weekdays. I’m his grandmother, teacher, friend and rugby partner, and he’s my hero!”
Deniel is nominating her sister, Oveda Julies.
“My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and had a mastectomy a month later. Within a year the cancer had spread to her bones. After undergoing radiation she miraculously went back to work with a big smile and a bald head. She’s in constant pain but remains an inspiration.”
Elfriede is nominating her sister-in-law, Tracy van den Berg.
“My sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 44. She’s married to my brother, Pieter, and he worships her. They have three teenage daughters. Tracy has always been a wonderful person but my respect for her has increased tenfold seeing how she’s handled this.”
Marinda is nominating herself.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, five months after getting married. I found healing in non-traditional treatments and unexpected places – the manager at the supermarket, the barber who shaved my head. Cancer is a horrible and wonderful journey rolled into one.”
Rika is nominating herself.
“In 2008 my life changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 33. I had a three-year-old daughter and an eight-month-old baby girl. By 2012 the cancer had spread to my liver and the prognosis wasn’t good. But here I am – still alive, with everything to live for.”
Magda is nominating herself.
“There’s no breast cancer in my family so I was shocked to be diagnosed. It was shortly after my father-in-law passed away – I received confirmation en route to his funeral. I’ve undergone a double mastectomy and am now in remission. I never want to relive 2015 but my cancer journey has brought our family closer.”
Emelia is nominating herself.
“I was diagnosed with melanoma in 2012, breast cancer in 2013 and in 2014 was declared cancer free. Now, in 2015, the breast cancer is back. I’m a 49-year-old woman with a family – I can’t think only of myself. Cancer keeps you on your knees and your family and friends carry you.”
Dalene is nominating herself.
“In 1990, two days after my third child was born, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I had a five-year-old daughter, a two-year-old son, a newborn and stage 4 cancer – I was very sick. But after two years of chemo I was well again. Today I can see my grandchild grow up… when I thought I wouldn’t even be able to raise my own children!”
Susan is nominating her husband, Johan.
“Almost eight years ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then the cancer has spread and I’ve never been off treatment. Through it all my amazing husband has been at my side, taking care of absolutely everything.”
Leona is nominating her sister-in-law, Hester Hayes.
“Pancreatic cancer doesn’t have a great prognosis – six to 12 months in most cases. But my sister-in-law went into remission after three major operations. She’s one in a million and even does charity work. She’s an inspiration to every person who crosses her path.”
Meet the first nominees here.
Meet the second group of nominees here.