Cancer survivors celebrated at Relay for Life
The event was held to spread awareness about the daily challenges of cancer survivors and their primary caregivers.
The Cansa Relay for Life was held in the north of Pretoria recently to celebrate cancer survivors’ successes with supporters and survivors.
The event was coordinated on Saturday, March 16, with other stakeholders including Virgin Active, Rumas, The Barnyard, Multi Petroleum Services, Vroom go-carts and Buco Brits.
According to the Sinoville Crisis Centre CEO Frederike van der Walt, being diagnosed with cancer is always accompanied by tremendous grief.
“The patient will go through many emotional and physical changes that relate to the shock of this diagnosis and contribute to the uncertainty about the future.
“The event gave us a better perspective on the daily challenges of cancer sufferers and their primary caregivers,” said Van der Walt.
According to her, cancer survivors have extreme endurance and a highly positive outlook on life.
“They certainly don’t give up easily, they have a day-to-day struggle but they prefer not to dwell on small things but rather focus on getting better.”
Cancer is a diagnosis that affects the physical and emotional health of patients, families and caregivers.
“Common feelings during this life-changing experience can include anxiety, distress, fear, anger, sadness and depression,” said Van der Walt.
Cancer survivor Santana Campobasso (31) said she was diagnosed with cancer when she was four.
“I had no idea of how sick I was but I could see the fear in my parents’ eyes.
“When the night is still and no one is around, it’s the time that you feel the loneliest.
“Not to mention that cancer never sleeps, so this event was hosted as a symbolic reminder of what patients are going through.”
Campobasso said she has lost the majority of her family members to the dreaded disease.
“As little as I was, I kept fighting and that wasn’t the end of my story but the end of the chapter,” she said.
“I had to learn to speak and walk after my brain tumour was removed and I had undergone radiation.
“I’m 31 years in remission and still live in fear of contracting it again,” said Campobasso.
Van der Walt said the centre commends the cancer survivors for the battles they have won.
“We are in awe of how brave these people are and we want them to know that we are proud of them.
“They should feel empowered because they overcame cancer with all its challenges.
“Through their testimonies, other cancer patients can be empowered,” Van der Walt concluded.
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