Cancer survivors are forever changed
BRYANSTON - The Forever Changed campaign, headed up by cancer patient Addi Lang, was launched at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month at Bryanston Sports Club.
Lang, a former actress and talent agent, explained she has always been an activist, standing up for those who do not have a voice. Last year she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
Lang said she had known something was wrong when she started experiencing chest pain. She visited her doctor who assured her it was just a muscle spasm. After insisting on an X-ray, which revealed no abnormalities, and then a mammogram it was discovered that she had cancer. Lang is currently undergoing chemotherapy and urged guests to not trust every health professional’s advice.
“Go for second opinions, even third opinions because if your body is trying to tell you something you have to listen,” she said.
Together with cancer survivor, Lizel Wheller, Lang has designed a range of ‘Forever Changed’ turbans as accessories for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
They will be sold as part of Wheller’s Bella Donna Scarves line. Wheller’s mother was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36 and at the age of 33 Wheller herself was told she had the disease.
According to Wheller, one of the worst parts of the experience was losing her hair during chemotherapy.
This inspired her to create Bella Donna Scarves, not only to help women claim their dignity back and help them feel beautiful whilst fighting the disease, but also to give back to the Breast Health Foundation.
Lang has also been chosen as the Faces of Hope Foundation ambassador for the month of October. The foundation helps individuals suffering with life threatening illnesses by offering financial assistance.
