Alberton mom needs help to afford life-saving cancer treatment
Tanya de Bruin and her father were diagnosed with cancer just a week apart, fighting the disease together. Now, after losing him, she continues her battle and urgently needs help to afford life-saving treatment.
In the heart of Alberton, 34-year-old Tanya de Bruin balances the demanding roles of being an attorney, devoted mother of two, and relentless cancer warrior.
Since March 2023, she has been undergoing treatment, navigating a journey filled with both heartache and hope.
January 2023 brought an unforeseen development to her fight when she found she was pregnant again.
Days later, on January 8, doctors diagnosed her with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease.
She was only 32. A week later, on February 14, another devastating blow followed. Her father, Willie Strydom, whom she called her hero, was also diagnosed with cancer.
De Bruin fought through pregnancy while undergoing chemotherapy, and in August 2023, she welcomed her son, Divan, into the world.
“A busy but blessed household, with two under two,” she said, smiling.
Two months later, the post-birth hormone changes complicated things, leading to an emergency mastectomy in October 2023.
A community that cares
While fighting for her own health, De Bruin also fought for access to life-saving treatment.
In September 2023, Alberton Record shared her plea to raise R500 000 for immunotherapy, as her medical aid refused to cover the R82 000 per session cost.
The response was overwhelming.
In an interview on March 19, De Bruin shared how the community rallied behind her.
“With donations from so many people, most of whom I do not know, I could start immunotherapy in 2024,” she said.
“People from around the world helped me through this journey. Prayers, financial assistance and emotional support have poured in from every corner.”
From cupcake sales at her children’s school to her employer’s unwavering support; the kindness she has received has been immeasurable.
“Words will never be enough. I can only say thank you and pray that I will someday be able to help others.”
A new battle: Metastatic breast cancer
Months after beginning treatment, in May 2024, Tania received devastating news that her cancer had progressed to metastatic breast cancer.
“This is difficult for me to talk about, and it is still hard to accept,” she admitted.
She underwent further chemotherapy, some of which worked, while others did not.
Now, her best hope lies in a drug called Enhertu, a targeted treatment combining chemotherapy and a biologic drug.
However, the cost is R130 000 per session, with her medical aid only covering 50%.
This leaves her with an R65 000 bill every three weeks.
“With the funds from my previous BackaBuddy campaign, I could cover two sessions. But now, I find myself in the same position, pleading for help,” she shared.
Holding on to faith and family
Despite the hardships, De Bruin remains deeply grateful for the love surrounding her.
Losing her father in January left an irreplaceable void, but his words fuel her fight: “I promised him I would not give up.”
“Some days, I feel under the weather, but my husband and two small boys remind me why I must keep going,” she said.
“They are my greatest blessings. No matter how hard things get, I need to show up for them, just like they show up for me.”
As she and her family research alternative treatments, she places her faith in God and the kindness of others.
“Life is fragile, and right now, any and every contribution—big or small -means the world in helping me fight this.”
Make donations through her BackaBuddy campaign or contact Tanya at 071 897 2462 or email at taneitjie@gmail.com
