Fashionably raising funds for cancer treatment

Grant Vanderwagen is currently in the second round of the fight for his life having been diagnosed with Paraganglioma, a very rare form of cancer that affects two in 1 million people being diagnosed.

 

Originally from Uvongo now living in Cape Town, Grant is an entrepreneur and looks to raise funds for treatment through his clothing brand “Mind Over Matter.”

 

 

“I have been living in cape town for roughly 10 years now. I grew up in Uvongo and lived there for 18 years. I attended Sheppie High and I was a lifeguard on a good number of beaches, a bodyboarder for Southern KZN and a Barmen at Koko’s nightclub,” Grant said. “I had the best childhood growing up on the coast and now 29 years of age,” he added.

 

In July of last year, Grant found out that he had a tumor in his abdominal area, which resulted in a seven and half hour surgery in November where they removed the tumor, his right kidney and reconstructed his Venacava.

 

After follow up scans in January earlier this year, it was found that the cancer had spread to his neck, ribs and the base of his skull.

 

“Since then I have had multiple scans and testing done to see if I can have treatment due to me only having one kidney,” grant said.

 

Having had the name Mind Over Matter in his head, Grant got the idea last month (June) to start an apparel brand that can help raise more funds and awareness for his treatment and condition.

 

The apparel ranges from hoodies and expanded into crewneck sweaters with caps and beanies expected to be in stock soon.

According to Grant, the aim is to raise R250 000 with R100 000 having been raised so far.

 

“I started radiotherapy on eight of  July 2021 and will be having 24 sessions. Once this is done I will start Nuclear treatment and this will go on for a few months. After all of this is done my doctors will decide whether or not I need more treatment” he said.

 

All those looking to donate towards Grants treatment can go to his Back A Buddy account and make their donations, and can place orders and purchase Mind Over Matter apparel in Instagram, Facebook or by visiting the Mind Over Matter website.