Local cancer survivor now hosts support group
“I was very moved by the sermon and my new calling was revealed to me.”
A Centurion woman’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2000, but Bett Wallace has since committed herself to help others in her community who are going through similar health struggles.
Always eager to help members of her church, Wallace was helping a blind woman by reading the Bible for her but always wanted to make a bigger difference in her community but just wasn’t sure how.
In October 2020, Wallace founded her own cancer support group after hearing a sermon at her church about cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
“I was very moved by that sermon and my new calling was revealed to me,” said Wallace.
The group meets every week at the Centurion Hospice where they receive counselling and health advice from professionals.
Although the group mainly focuses on cancer, Wallace strives to accommodate anyone struggling with physical or mental health issues of any kind.
Guest speakers are often invited to speak on specific issues and provide key insights into common and pressing issues such as depression and retirement.
Wallace went for a three-month training course in Rustenburg to gain a better understanding of cancer and thus provide the best care possible for members of her group.
It was during this course that a nurse suggested that Wallace start her own support group.
At first, Wallace was unsure whether she should go through with her plan, but after praying about it, she received her answer and has never looked back since.
Wallace first joined a cancer support group that met at the Netcare Unitas Hospital but was forced to close down when its founder was unable to attend meetings.
This was to be the final catalyst in Wallace’s decision to start her group.
During this time, Wallace’s condition continued to worsen as she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation in the digestive tract and symptoms include severe abdominal cramps.
Despite her trauma and pain, Wallace continues to give her utmost to her community.
Betts and her husband Wallie will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on August 9.
They have three children and three grandchildren.
Their oldest son, Henry lives in Hennopspark with his wife and two children.
Fannus lives in England and their daughter Cathy lives in Ireland.
Betts and Wallie plan on visiting Cathy in Ireland if her medical condition improves.
Wallace keeps her mind occupied with video games and regularly goes on walks to stay fit.
Anyone interested in joining the support group can contact the Centurion Hospice on 012 664 6175.
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