The tangy scent of freshly picked lemons filled the hall at Rynfield Pinnacle College, welcoming 200 women to the 13th annual Cuppa for Cansa, hosted by Tanja Spencer (Face Facts, Boksburg) and Dr Angela Murphy (specialist physician at Netcare Sunward Park Hospital), on October 3.

Dressed in capri’s and Mediterranean blues, those in attendance cast their worries aside, embracing ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life), for a morning spent connecting with friends, indulging in a flavourful feast while prioritising self-care.

Guest speaker, a gynaecological oncologist of Life The Glynnwood Hospital, Dr Elize Wethmar, urged women to embark on an introspective journey, focussing on the ‘orchid in the mirror.’

“As women, we place a lot of emphasis on achieving perfection, often masking which that make us, us,” she said, her piercing blue eyes scanning the faces of those sitting before her.

“While in pursuit of ticking every box of achievement on the long list of personal ideals we create for ourselves, we often neglect self-care, personal happiness and our health.”

Continuing Wethmer highlighted that self-worth and acceptance plays a vital role in recovery and healing when faced with life-threatening disease.

“When you can look in the mirror at the magnificence that makes you unique, truly accept your inner and physical beauty, that is where self-love blossoms,” she said.

“In order to take care of your physical and mental health, you need to deep dive into an introspective journey, willing yourself to fall in love with your truest self. It is from there that healing, acceptance and the will to rise grows.”

Clutching the hand of her 15-year-old daughter, Emma, Lynette Hickley says that as a breast cancer survivor, she came face-to-face with her mortality, forced to re-examine that which truly makes life worth living for.

“Cancer is scary word, while the fear of death may threaten to consume your every thought, it is important to surround yourself with everything worth fighting for,” she said.

“Undergoing treatment, your body and features change often making the person in the mirror unrecognisable. That is when you have to reach into the deepest reaches of your soul and find the courage to live fully.

“My family carried me through.”

Of her mom’s journey, Emma said that she is grateful for every moment spent with her.

“My mom refused to give up, she is the strongest person I know. Realising that I am potentially also at risk of contracting breast cancer, I am aware of my responsibility to do regular self-checks,” she said.

“I refuse to live in fear but I will not hide from the reality either. Valuing yourself starts with being proactive.”

With a tap of their heels and click of their toes, Rynfield’s Taparinas entertained the audience.

With some of its members being 84 years of age, the troop cemented Wethmar’s message.

“Embracing your uniqueness can unlock self-love which can conquer mountains.

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