Cancer survivor takes on pageant
FOURWAYS - Fourways resident Anèl van Niekerk has been granted a second chance at life after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at the age of 28.
She is now embarking on the journey of competing as a semi-finalist in the Miss Commonwealth 2015 pageant.
At 31 years old, she is currently a pharmacist for a well-known pharmaceutical company and is an avid musician. She has plans to one day start pursuing a professional music career.
“At the time of my diagnosis, chemotherapy was not a suitable treatment option. Both my brothers were tested for a possible match, as a stem cell transplant had become my only hope for a cure. My youngest brother was unfortunately not a match, but my middle brother was a hundred percent match,” she said.
“l am blessed with a beautiful, caring and inspirational mother, a loving and strong father and two very smart brothers, I constantly have to remind myself not to get anxious about what the future holds, I however trust God who has brought me this far,” noted Van Niekerk.
This desire of Van Niekerk’s to treasure every second has encouraged her to pursue every opportunity that knocks at her door. “I want to embrace the present because tomorrow is not a definite, this is why I’m competing in the pageant,” she said.
The pageant aims to create a platform to empower girls and women in South Africa and to create an opportunity where the contestants can achieve their dreams. “There is a strong focus on social responsibility and to make a real difference in the country.”
The pageant endorses the Pink Drive charity, which aims to create awareness about cancer. This charity holds a special place in Van Niekerk’s heart. If you would like to help raise funds for Van Niekerk and document her journey through the pageant, you can visit her Facebook page.
Do you have an inspirational story to share? Tell us by emailing fourwaysr@caxton.co.za
