Bras, bubbles and a powerful message about breast cancer brought women together at Rosella Shoes at Ballito Lifestyle Centre last Friday.

Pam Golding Properties Ballito, in collaboration with Woman on a Mission and Rosella Shoes, hosted the Bras and Bubbles event to raise breast cancer awareness and collect bras and food vouchers for women in need.

Woman on a Mission, founded by Patricia Howes, is a thrift shop in Ballito that supports struggling individuals and families with clothing, food and school fees.

“Not everyone has the money to get the treatment needed,” said Howes, highlighting the financial challenges faced by women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Among those attending was Ballito resident, 73-year-old breast cancer survivor Sharon van der Merwe, who shared her experience of being diagnosed just over a year ago.

What she expected to be a routine medical check-up turned into a life-changing diagnosis.

She admitted that breast cancer had never crossed her mind as something that could happen to her.

“I went about with the motto that ignorance is bliss. I felt as if I was too old to get breast cancer.”

Van der Merwe stressed the importance of regular screening and awareness, warning that breast cancer can affect women of all ages.

“It does not matter your race, gender or age.”

She also spoke about the financial burden of treatment.

“It can be a very expensive journey depending on the type of cancer, from the chemo to reconstruction surgery.”

Van der Merwe thanked the medical professionals who supported her, saying the doctors, nurses and radiologists became like family throughout her treatment.

“They become the most important people in your life,” she said.

Her advice to others facing a cancer diagnosis is to trust their medical teams, be cautious about information shared on social media and take their journey one step at a time.