When Nonhlanhla Khumalo joined the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sedumedi Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Refilwe ‘Fifi’ Sedumedi in Diepsloot, she arrived with more than just a reason to celebrate.

She came as a breast cancer survivor who understands first-hand the fear, uncertainty and strength that come with a cancer diagnosis.

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Khumalo attended the milestone celebration to show her support for the foundation, which was established to celebrate cancer survivors while offering practical and emotional support to people living with the illness.

For her, the occasion was also an opportunity to recognise the work being done to make the journey easier for others facing cancer.

She spoke warmly about the foundation’s efforts to support patients, particularly women receiving treatment at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

She said the foundation regularly visits the hospital’s breast cancer ward, bringing patients goodies and offering encouragement. Its outreach also extends to Christmas Day, when the team makes an annual visit to share gifts with patients.

The foundation is also involved in fundraising for sanitary products, among other initiatives aimed at helping those in need.

Khumalo said she was particularly grateful for the support and commitment shown to cancer patients, adding that survivors needed people who understood what they were going through.

Reflecting on her own journey, she said receiving a breast cancer diagnosis was terrifying and came with several emotional stages, including denial, anger, bargaining and depression, before she eventually reached acceptance.

“Once you accept, then you will fight this monster,” she said.

She explained that while cancer survivors often receive sympathy, what they need most is empathy and consistent support from family, friends and the wider community.

“It’s not that we are funny because we swing our moods. It’s not us. It’s because of our treatment that we are getting.”

Khumalo was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in August 2010. However, by December that year, when she underwent surgery, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, resulting in doctors removing both her breasts and affected lymph nodes.

Her treatment journey continued with six rounds of chemotherapy, which she described as particularly difficult.

Living beyond the diagnosis

Although she initially felt relatively well after surgery, chemotherapy took a heavy toll on her body. She lost her hair and experienced significant physical changes.

She later took a medication used to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning for several years. However, in May 2018, doctors stopped the treatment after further complications involving her bones were detected.

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The years that followed brought additional health challenges, including infections in her lungs, bladder and trachea.

Today, she continues to undergo annual medical checks, including MRI and CT scans, bone density tests and other examinations to monitor her health.

Despite the difficult journey, Khumalo said cancer had not stopped her from living, achieving her goals and appreciating life.

“Cancer is not a death sentence. It is not contagious,” she said, urging people not to fear or isolate those living with the illness.

She also encouraged newly diagnosed patients to seek support from cancer groups, where they can connect with other survivors, share experiences, and learn from one another.

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