Hope for those battling cancer

PARKTOWN – An awareness and motivational programme was recently held to give more hope to those fighting the cancer battle.

February 10, 2022

Naidine Sibanda 1 minute read

Levern Richards has her hair sprayed in several colours at the awareness drive. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

On World Cancer Day, February 4, a non-profit organisation (NPO) conducted a drive at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Parktown.

The NPO Warriors With A Purpose conducted an activity-filled event that aimed to give more hope to everyone in the battle against cancer.

Jailey Richardson from Cansa sprays Kim Henry’s hair. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Bollywood dancer Shenise Ramaruck renders a dance perfomance to the audience. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Founder and director of Warriors With A Purpose, who is also a breast cancer survivor, Renee Singh said in 2018 she had sat in the CMJAH radiation department to have radiation done after being diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in 2017. She added that during that time there was a suspicion of swelling on her brain, and on the other hand, she had to be on steroids for three months. Treatment included 18 tablets a day until the dose was reduced.

Breast cancer survivor Refilwe Sedumedi encourages people diagnosed with cancer to fight. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

“I however conquered all the challenges and in 2019 I was then crowned a survivor. Cancer is not a death sentence. Each person with cancer is different from the next so don’t ask advice from just anyone just because they have cancer. Treatment differs from person to person,” Singh advised.

Jailey Richardson from Cansa with Kim Henry, founder and director of Warriors With A Purpose, Renee Singh and Maude Hoff from Warriors With A Purpose have a hair-spray session. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

She added that her NPO is an amazing support system that gives individual motivation; counselling, fundraising, support, education and also helps families understand what their loved ones are going through. Singh encouraged patients to ask their doctor about diagnosis, treatment, and more.

Mascot Tok Tokkie dances with Refilwe Sedumedi. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Radio personality and breast cancer survivor Refilwe Sedumedi shared that she lives with a bullet lodged in her neck tissues. The founder of Sedumedi Hope Foundation said she was diagnosed in 2013 but she chose to fight and it was not an easy journey. Attendees engaged in more, fun activities including face painting, a laughter session with laughing coach Sue Jameson, a rendition from a Bollywood dancer, a hair spray session from the Cancer Association of South Africa ( Cansa) and many more.

Have local awareness events? Invite us by email to naidines@caxton.co.za

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