“My wedding day was the first time in a long time I looked in the mirror and didn’t see a cancer girl. I saw a bride.”

These are the words of 33-year-old Ilze Botha (née Steenkamp) who, despite being terminally ill with ovarian cancer, found the strength to start walking again just two weeks before her wedding on October 12.

A school teacher from Amanzimtoti, Botha credits the community’s incredible support for helping her fulfill her dream of walking down the aisle with her partner, Kyle.

Through various fundraisers — including colour runs, raffles, dance-a-thons, golf days, and restaurant specials — the community raised about R75 000 monthly for nearly two years to fund her Lynparza treatment, which combats the recurring cancer gene.

“This medication was my last hope for a ‘normal’ life after my initial diagnosis with Stage 2 cancer in 2017. I’m so grateful for everyone who bought me this extra time. Sadly, at the end of 2023, my body stopped responding to the treatment. I felt like I’d let down the town and myself, but I knew I had to keep fighting, especially with our wedding approaching,” she shared.

Her doctor’s words, “You’re still writing your story, and there’s still ink left in your pen,” gave her strength. Despite a serious health setback six weeks before the wedding, her medical team worked to ensure she could make it to her big day.

“The news that my cancer had spread was devastating. Doctors told me to call my family to discuss options. The goal was just to get me to my wedding day, as my dream was to die with ‘Mrs Botha’ on my death certificate. Though extremely ill and needing to be supported by the groomsmen, it was the most magical day of my life,” said Botha.

Currently, with her husband overseas for work, she is being cared for by her mother-in-law, a qualified nurse, along with supportive friends and family. She hopes to return to the classroom soon and remains determined to keep fighting.

“I will not give up this fight. Once my body recovers, I’ll begin my next dose of chemotherapy,” she said.