Local businesswoman a Mrs Johannesburg finalist
Coetzer said it was a difficult decision to go ahead with the competition after being diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis
Despite a shock diagnosis of stage one ankylosing spondylitis, Lesley-Rae Coetzer from Boksburg is determined to make a difference as a Mrs Johannesburg 2021 finalist.
The 37-year-old salon owner explained Mrs Johannesburg is a philanthropic pageant hosted by the RoleModel Foundation.
“I’m excited but nervous to be a finalist. I never thought that I would come this far. The pageant is also a way for the foundation to raise funds for abused women and children and the elderly,” the finalist said.
However, she admitted it was a difficult decision to go ahead with the competition after the diagnosis in March.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the small bones in your spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.
“I always had back pain and sore joints but didn’t think much of it until I literally couldn’t get out of bed one morning,” she said.
The finalist then went to several doctors and blood tests eventually confirmed that she has the disease.
“It was totally unexpected. I had pain, but I was always fit and did athletics. After the diagnosis, I started with chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the treatment didn’t work and the disease progressed rapidly. It is now in stage four.
“Then a doctor suggested I should start using Humira. It contains the active drug adalimumab, which is a biologic medication. Biologics are medications made from living cells.
After this treatment, I could see an improvement. My joints, back pain and sore eyes are better now.
“There’s no cure, but treatment is available to help relieve the symptoms of the disease. Treatment can also help delay or prevent the process of the spine fusing and stiffening,” she explained.
She said her family, friends, staff and clients are keeping her motivated during this difficult time.
“Sometimes I don’t know how I do it; however, helping others gives me a purpose. Therefore, I’m so grateful to have an amazing support system. I also want to those who already made contributions, such as Medinox Edenvale, ALILA Professional Makeup and Dr Prineel Maharaj from Healthworx,” she said.
Furthermore, she said the foundation is in need of donations, such as non-perishable foods and clothing.
Anybody interested in making a donation or becoming a pageant sponsor can contact Lesley-Rae on 082 453 1841.
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