THE feeling of hope was palpable in Amanzimtoti Methodist Church on September 20 when the Team C Cancer Support Group gathered for its monthly meeting.

Also read: Elderly equipped for self-defence with pepper spray bottles

The support group was established on July 8, 2023, after fearless founder, Tertia de Wet, was diagnosed with cancer the previous year. There are around 80 cancer patients registered and each meeting is attended by around 45 members.

She explained how difficult it can be to fight cancer without the support of people who have walked the same road and fought the same battle.

“Many people hesitate to walk through the door and join Team C, but from the feedback we receive, members say that their outlook changes. When you can speak and engage with somebody face-to-face who experiences similar circumstances, you can relate so much better. We are very much like a family, as we support each other,” said De Wet.

The gatherings, which fall on the second Saturday of every month, include guest appearances by medical specialists and motivational speakers, with the idea being to impart knowledge to cancer patients and their supporters to better equip them to be strong-willed survivors.

“We tend to go into oncology scans scared, not knowing what to expect. Today, oncologists from Gebs Radiology and Nuclear Medicine explained processes of some of the different imaging tests patients may undergo and we have come to understand it better, and the hope is that our group can more adequately mentally prepare for it,” said De Wet.

She said that in between its meetings the group has introduced visits to the oncology section in hospitals to talk to and encourage fellow cancer patients, to give them hope. Team C  also recently introduced a walking group, which will do walks twice a week to keep fit.

For more information about the group, contact Tertia de Wet on 072 856 3949.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.