CANCER survivor and fighter, Ilze Steenkamp (31) appeals to the community for financial assistance towards a new treatment, and the last hope of extending her life.

The Amanzimtoti resident was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2017, at the age of 26. Since then, she has been fighting and giving her all.

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“My father was diagnosed with breast cancer simultaneously. I received my first round of chemotherapy and radiation alongside him in 2017 and 2018. My father sadly passed away, but I was fortunate to be in remission for more than a year. Unfortunately, my cancer returned in 2019, and my second round of chemotherapy and radiation started, which I had to go through during the Covid-19 period, which was a challenging experience,” said Steenkamp.

Not long after her second round of treatment and a short period of remission, she experienced a relapse, and her cancer returned for the third time in 2021. Jump forward a few months to 2022, and at the age of 31, she is still receiving a fourth round of chemotherapy and, in total, has received more than 40 sessions. She was also recently diagnosed with a somatic BRCA mutation, which is a re-occurring cancer.

“My faith is probably the reason why I am privileged enough to still be here. I also had the opportunity to experience humanity at its best, seeing people’s caring hearts and love towards me during these difficult times. Over the past five years, I have learned so much about myself.

I realised you could achieve much with endurance and a positive attitude. While receiving treatment, I studied towards my B. Ed degree, graduated in 2020, and now live my longtime dream and passion as a teacher, impacting little lives,” said Steenkamp.

However, after five years of chemotherapy and radiation, her treatment options have started to run out, and her body and mind are tired. Steenkamp said, “The doctors are extremely worried about my future as this is re-occurring cancer, and should I continue with chemotherapy, some parts of my body will start to fail. Luckily, with new medical development, a drug called ‘Lynparza’ is available for the treatment of relapsed advanced ovarian cancer with the BRCA mutation.

“My doctor insists that I urgently start with this treatment as this is my last hope of extending my life, but sadly, most medical aids in South Africa do not cover this new drug.”

The medication costs R75 000 per month, and she has to be on it for at least 24 months. So far, she has raised just over R100 000 and has received overwhelming support from friends, family, the school and the community, who have donated and hosted fundraisers on her behalf.

However, she is still far from the target amount. Steenkamp said, “I have taken on this challenge and have been fighting with everything in me. I now plead for your assistance in helping me raise funds to extend this beautiful life that God gave me. All funds raised will be used for my medical expenses. I believe it’s not yet time for me to go home. I believe I still have so much to offer, as a teacher, as a friend and as a partner. My story is not yet over. Please consider donating to my fund. Every little bit will help, and I believe that with God, anything is possible.”

Donations can be made through her BackaBuddy page: Fighting on with Ilze or at the following banking details: Ilze Steenkamp, Capitec Bank, Savings account number: 2029450754, Branch code: 470010.

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