As the festive season fills the city with lights and nostalgia, local NPO Warriors With A Purpose reflected on a year of courage and hope. Founder and cancer survivor, Reneé Singh, shared her thoughts on 2025, a year marked by grief and resilience.

“I’m filled with gratitude for our journey of advocacy and love,” she said. “Cancer may have taken loved ones, but it hasn’t diminished our strength or determination to make a difference.

The year began with momentum as Warriors With A Purpose partnered with CancerVive for a Cancer Edu School Campaign. The initiative aims to bring lifesaving knowledge to young people; demystifying cancer, encouraging early detection and nurturing a generation unafraid to talk about health with honesty and empathy.

Read more: Afrika Tikkun Uthando Centre prioritises cancer prevention at event

In February, Singh and her team stood in solidarity with patients and healthcare workers at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for World Cancer Day 2025.

It’s a space where stories of loss and triumph intertwine, and where Warriors With A Purpose lends its voice to those fighting their toughest battles.

In May, the organisation expanded its impact beyond South Africa by partnering with the Lesotho Action Against Cancer Association to promote cancer awareness and combat period poverty, which Singh highlights as essential to women’s dignity and health.

In June, Singh travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, for the First Ladies Against Cancer Book Launch during Cancer Survivors Month, where she connected with fellow survivors and global leaders, witnessing the momentum for cancer care across the continent. Her journey culminated in a UICC scholarship to attend AORTIC 2025 in Tunisia, reinforcing her role in a united effort to change the narrative around cancer in Africa.

Also read: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital opens Breast Cancer Imaging Unit

October, as always, shone bright in shades of pink. Warriors With A Purpose returned to Charlotte Maxeke hospital for Pink October, standing shoulder to shoulder with survivors and families, honouring those lost and amplifying breast cancer awareness with tenderness and tenacity.

Through every event, partnership and milestone, Singh’s message remains rooted in humanity.

“Let’s raise our voices, spread awareness, and support those affected by cancer. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness, care, and compassion. Here’s to a new year of healing, progress, and making cancer history.”

This festive season, as candles flicker and communities gather, Singh’s journey is a reminder that hope does not fade; it grows louder when shared. And thanks to the tireless work of Warriors With A Purpose, countless South Africans step into the new year with renewed strength, knowing they are never walking alone.

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