CANCER patient, Chantelle Prince, faces a long road to recovery after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. However, she has not allowed the deadly disease to break her spirits or rule her life.

Instead, the Durban North mum’s brave battle against breast cancer has inspired an awareness and fundraising event – Chantelle’s 5km Walk/Run – which has been organised by Claire de Sylva, a volunteer for CANSA.

“Hope is the most important part of the battle. We want to reach out to other cancer patients and survivors and to show them that they are not alone. Not only can they find solace among fellow patients and survivors, but they can also find support among family and friends as well as the staff and volunteers at CANSA. It’s easy for those suffering through the disease to push loved ones away,” said De Sylva, who is also a friend of Prince and a fellow Durban North resident.

Prince’s world came crashing down around her in May this year after her worst fears were confirmed – the lump she had discovered in one of her breasts was indeed stage two breast cancer.

“I was diagnosed on a Monday afternoon. My whole body was shaking as the doctor gave me a rundown of my prognosis. It changed my whole perception of ‘normal’. Here I was, in my early 30s at the prime of my life, facing a deadly disease,” she said.

Since then she has undergone surgery, chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Currently she is undergoing an additional three months of chemotherapy and still faces a year of radiation therapy and a final breast operation. And while these brutal treatments have not been a walk in the park for the brave mum, she has not lost her sense of hope or identity.

“I have embraced the challenge and I am determined not to allow this cancer to defeat me or prevent me from living my life to the fullest,” she said. Ultimately, the aim of the event, added De Sylva, is not only to raise awareness but also to unite families. Our greatest goal is to get families – parents with their kids and dogs – to come out and enjoy the beauty of the beach, and for cancer patients and survivors to get away from the hospitals and daily stresses so that they can, just for a moment, forget about their pain, embrace life and also connect with their families,” she said.

CANSA will also be offering free breast checks, advice and assistance to the public on the day. Part of the funds raised during the event will be donated towards CANSA and it’s many initiatives as well as to Prince for her ongoing treatment.

Event details:
The event will be held on 8 November at 8am at The Bike and Bean along the Durban beachfront. Registration takes place from 7am to 7.45am. Prizes will be awarded to the first three men and women to complete the course. Awesome Raffle and spot prizes will also be given away, prize giving will be from about 9am on the day. Contact Claire on clairemobilebeauty@gmail.com.

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