Angie (49) accepted her fate

Marius Schalkwyk’s only wish is to help make his partner’s final days more comfortable.
Marius fell in love with Angie Jones 10 years ago, and since then she has been his best friend, comforter, caretaker and lover.
On May 13, Angie (49) found out she has terminal pancreatic cancer after a year of misdiagnoses.
“My doctor said there is nothing medically we can do now and he said that in reality, I have two weeks to two months left and if I am lucky till the end of the year,” said Angie.
She has been an employee of Springbok Pharmacy for the last six years and not only did her colleagues fall in love with her kind-hearted personality, but the community has also grown to love her.
Angie was always ready to assist her clients with advice or even to point them in the direction of the product they need.

A horrible time
Angie, who is a mother of two, only has medical insurance and not medical aid, which made it challenging for her to receive the necessary medical treatment she required. She went from public hospital to public hospital only to be told it is a stomach bug or diverticulosis.
She told the RECORD her main symptom was abdominal pain.
Angie has been fighting a health battle for the past year and a half, which has now been diagnosed as a terminal illness.
The cancer is aggressive and has already spread to her liver, kidneys and base of her lungs.
“When my doctor told me my diagnosis and that I only have two weeks or two months left to live, I was in shock. I did not understand. I mean I am only 49 and now I only have this little bit of time left,” Angie said.
She said she has come to terms with her condition and accepted her illness.
“I have accepted my fate. I am not scared of death, I am more scared of what will happen to Marius and my kittens,” she said.
A day in her life used to be pain-free, but now she lives in constant pain.

Asking for assistance
Angie is at home on high doses of morphine to manage the pain but will need extensive frail care much sooner than expected.
“Getting to this diagnosis has drained the small number of resources we had, as her medical insurance only covered certain doctors and medication. We, as many other people out there because of the current financial climate, have no other policies in place to cover the rather large shortfall. We have also exhausted our lending potential at the bank to cover expenses.
“Because of this situation, I have to put my pride in my pocket and am asking my community for support.
“To those of you who can find it in yourself to make a small donation, I thank you in advance for making Angie’s final time on earth just a little more comfortable and bearable. Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated,” Marius pleaded.
Angie used to pay the rent while Marius, who runs a computer business from home, covered the water, lights and their monthly groceries.
Now with Angie being sick, she is not able to work and receives no income.
The family is barely making it each month.
People who are interested to donate may contact Marius on 081 325 9443 to make arrangements or to make a financial donation, payment can be made to her Capitec savings account with account number 125 722 9972.