WHEN Merebank resident Colleen Moodley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, her world came crashing down.

She was filled with fear, uncertainty and overwhelming loneliness, feelings made all the harder to bear by the lockdown regulations. But with the unwavering support of her loved ones, her resilient spirit and her unshakeable faith, Moodley was able to find the strength to battle one of the toughest battles of her life.

Also read: Breast cancer awareness event unites women for a cause

The difficult journey:

“Hearing that I had cancer was horrible. Chemotherapy was terribly difficult, and a mastectomy was hard to accept. Having part of your body as a woman taken away isn’t something you just accept overnight. Then to lose your hair, the crowning glory of a woman, stripped me of my self-worth,” said Moodley.

Even as the physical and emotional weight was overwhelming, Moodley said she was not going to allow cancer to get the better of her. She drew encouragement from her devout faith and family, especially her daughter, who walked the journey alongside her. “Cancer is a battle, and your faith needs to be stronger than your fear. My faith in Jesus got me through,” she explained.

It was during her chemotherapy that Moodley’s heart was moved to help others. “Walking into the chemo room and observing how helpless and hopeless most chemo patients felt was really saddening. That is when I decided to always reach out to other cancer patients,” she said.

Wings of Hope:

With what she refers to as divine intervention, Moodley was introduced to Wings of Hope, a national NPO that tends to cancer patients and survivors. She now heads the Durban South branch which has around 30 members. “We are definitely stronger together, looking out for each other on this journey. Our name says it all, every day we rise up with wings like eagles and soar. We are unstoppable and definite overcomers,” she said.

Also read: A legacy of smiles: The Bluff’s Caitie loses her battle to cancer

Now in remission, Moodley continues to take her daily medication and is monitored regularly for check-ups and mammograms. In spite of the pain-ridden experience, she said it made her life better in some respects.

“This journey has impacted my life in such a positive manner. It made me understand that life is short and unpredictable. We need to live life, love and be kind, and look out for one another, always keeping your creator in the forefront of your thoughts,” she said.

Sharing the faith:

Moodley shared a message of hope for those who have walked or are walking the same journey as her.

“Be strong. Be with people who are positive. Share your experience, sharing your story will heal you, and the person who is listening. There is definitely life after cancer. Never lose hope, you are a strong warrior,” she said.

October is being celebrated as breast cancer awareness month; Moodley’s story is just one of the inspiring stories celebrated during this month.

For inspiration or counselling, you can call Colleen Moodley and Wings of Hope on 084 358 9271.

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