From pain to purpose: Young breast cancer fighter inspires hope through her healing journey

Kwa-Thema – At just 25, Hope Kgoloko is better known as ‘HopeyStrongSoulShine’, a name that captures her resilience and radiant spirit.

In 2024, her world changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but instead of letting it define her, she fought back with courage, hope and a strength that continues to inspire those around her.

“I was diagnosed on September 20 last year through a phone call I will never forget. I will not lie. I did not fully understand what it meant to be diagnosed with cancer when the woman on the call said I would be starting ‘treatment’.

“I was shattered. I immediately thought I was dying. My mind went blank. I felt like my life was over. I asked God, ‘Why me? Why now? After all that I have been through in life, why another mountain to climb?’

“That call broke me. The woman thought I already knew my biopsy results, but I had not been told anything. She casually said I was being referred to another facility for treatment. When I asked for what treatment, she paused,” explained Kgoloko.

That was when it truly sank in for Kgoloko. She described it as a heart-wrenching moment that collapsed her spirit.
After receiving the news, she went straight home to process it.

“But even surrounded by walls, I knew nothing felt safe anymore. Everything had changed. I had to pause what I did for a living. I was constantly sick, in pain and emotionally disconnected,” she said.

Kgoloko said chemotherapy affected every part of her life. She could not stand for long without feeling the weight of her body pulling her down. Simple things like holding a cup, buttoning a shirt and brushing her hair became trials because of the pins-and-needles sensation that crept into her fingertips.

“My joints were inflamed, and at just 25, I began losing my teeth. While chewing, I would suddenly feel a hard object in my mouth, only to find it was another tooth.

“And the scariest part? The side effects did not end when the chemo did. Even now, I am dealing with serious dental issues and body pain,” she mentioned.

Kgoloko’s independence kept her going during the hardest time of her life. She stayed on her own during her treatment and had to do everything for herself.

“I had to wake up, cook, clean and care for myself even when my body screamed for rest. On some days, I would stay at home with my family for support, and I am so grateful for that,” she said.

She mentioned that she primarily went through her journey alone, with God providing her strength. The silence taught her resilience. She underwent chemotherapy for months, receiving injections and hormonal medication.

“It stripped away my strength, my appetite and even my hair. Losing it broke me. I remember crying when it started falling out in clumps. But through all that pain, I found a different kind of beauty in the mirror, one that came from inside,” she said.

Aside from the physical symptoms, Kgoloko’s biggest problem at the time was transport to the hospital for treatment. After chemo, she would often be too weak to stand, but still had to use public transport.

“It was dangerous and exhausting. Nutrition was also a struggle. I knew I needed healthy food to fight back, but it was not always accessible.

“I felt isolated, especially on the worst days. My family was supportive in the ways they could be. I am especially thankful for my mother. Some friends disappeared, and some surprised me by showing up more than I expected,” added Kgoloko.

She is grateful for her family in Christ, saying they kept her spiritually alive. During hospital visits, she connected with other survivors in the waiting areas. Those moments gave her strength and belief that her story was not over.

“I also created a healing journal called Still She Rises to help other women write and reflect through the chaos. Cancer took so much from me and not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, too. I sank into depression, and to be honest, it got to a point where I was suicidal.

ALSO CHECK: Embrace the twists and turns of your learning journey: Becoming a medical doctor

“I now value peace over everything. I protect my mental space, I eat with intention, and I love harder,” said Kgoloko.

She advised other cancer fighters to remain strong, saying they are not what they are diagnosed with, and urged them to remember that they are not alone and should grieve when they must.

“Rest when you need to, but never stop believing in your healing. And speak up, your story could save someone else’s life.

“I have made it my mission to turn my pain into purpose by using my voice and experience to raise awareness about cancer, especially among the youth,” she emphasised.

“My dream is to teach through my story and motivate others to help those silently suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, especially those from public hospitals who struggle with transport, nutrition and support during chemo.”

She aspires to host a cancer walk or run to raise funds towards:
• transport: to assist chemo patients (safely get them home);
• nutritious food parcels to support faster recovery;
• counselling and support groups, especially for women in areas like KwaTsaDuza.

“I am still healing; it is a daily process. But I have come a long way emotionally. I no longer hide my pain. I use it to connect and uplift others,” she revealed.

She is still fighting to overcome cancer but remains hopeful that her journey will soon conclude.