Alberton mom faces second cancer fight after beating stage 3B
Just a year after overcoming stage 3B cervical cancer, single mother and hairdresser Diane Smith has been diagnosed with stage 3C/4 cancer and urgently needs help to afford life-saving treatment.
Just one year after beating stage 3B cervical cancer, Diane Smith from Verwoerdpark, Alberton, a single mother and hairdresser, faces an even more daunting diagnosis: stage 3C/4 cancer.
“We were hopeful that chapter was behind us, but now it feels like we’re starting all over again,” Diane said.
A mother to two daughters, aged 12 and 25, Diane has worked as a hairdresser for 33 years. She’s been at the Facades Hair Design in Bassonia for the past two and a half years. She once owned a salon in Limpopo, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced its closure, and she returned to Johannesburg to rebuild her life.
The hard road back
In May 2023, Diane was diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. Without medical aid and facing a four-month wait at a public hospital, she had no time to spare.
“My gynaecologist and oncologist told me I don’t have four months, I need to get treatment urgently,” she added.
Thanks to a small cancer policy, a BackaBuddy campaign launched by her daughter Jordin, and a golf day, she raised R250 000 to pay for urgent chemotherapy and radiation.
Despite the gruelling treatment, Diane still worked to support her children.
“On August 20, I got the all-clear and everything was well with me,” she said.
A cruel setback
During a routine check-up months later, Diane started experiencing severe back and stomach pain.
A CT scan, which cost R25 000 (funded by a loan), revealed the worst:
• Multiple abnormal lymph nodes in her abdomen;
• A suspicious lung nodule;
• A 3.8cm lymph node near her kidney, nearly 10x the normal size.
Diane now urgently needs new rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. However, this time, her policy won’t cover any expenses, and medical aid is not an option because it requires a two-year payment before cancer-related claims can be made.
The cost of survival
To begin treatment, Diane must pay for radiation upfront, and weekly chemotherapy costs loom. She can anticipate spending over R5 000 every three months just for routine check-ups, bloodwork and consultations.
“Last year was not an easy journey. I’m still shocked I have to go through this again,” she shared.
“But I won’t give up, not when my children still need me.”
A daughter’s plea
Jordin has again stepped up.
“This has been devastating for our family. My mom already went through so much. She’s exhausted, but she’s not giving up, and neither are we,” Jordin said.
“Unfortunately, the reality is that her next phase of treatment is expensive, and we’re already financially strained from the battle she fought last year,” said Jordin. “We simply don’t have the funds to cover what’s coming.”
Hope through help
Through it all, Diane remains hopeful thanks to the love of her children and the support of those around her.
“I have two amazing children. My youngest, Jaylin, would say to me, ‘Suck it up because we need you,’ and my oldest, Jordin, has shown so much love and care, attending every appointment from when I was diagnosed last year. I also have an amazing employer, who has been understanding, supportive and patient with me during this time.”
While she is set to endure yet another treatment, her faith remains strong.
“It was by the grace of God that I got better quickly, despite the ongoing side effects of the chemo and radiation,” said Diane.
She is appealing to the kindness of the community as she prepares for a second round of treatment. Her courage, love for her family and faith are what continue to drive her forward during this dark time.
How you can help
The family needs to raise R180 000 to cover:
• Radiation and chemotherapy;
• Specialist consultations;
• Follow-up tests;
• Travel expenses;
• Nutritional support;
• In-home care during recovery.
A fundraiser on July 5 at the Fives Balfour (rooftop, Balfour Mall) from 14:00 will help Dianne raise funds for treatment.
Entry is free and donations are welcome. Expect food, music, raffles, a kids’ corner, and a soccer tournament, all for a good cause.
“She’s more than a patient, she’s my mom. A strong, loving woman who’s always given to others. Now, she needs us,” said Jordin.
To support Diane’s recovery journey, donate via her BackaBuddy campaign.
For more information, call 063 979 3133.
