Anand Gounden: Global Hero of Hope (Caregiver)

Anand Gounden has been selected as a Global Hero of Hope for 2025, a well-deserved recognition of his passion and dedication to the cancer cause.

Anand’s journey with cancer began when he learned that his mother had breast cancer. Growing up in a small village where cancer was a taboo topic, he cared for her without fully understanding her illness. When he finally learned the truth, he was devastated but made a vow to break the silence around cancer. His advocacy started at school, where he introduced CANSA Relay For Life, inspiring a young teacher to share her own survivor story in front of over 1,000 learners and educators.

For the past 15 years, Anand has been a dedicated volunteer with CANSA, serving as Chairperson of CANSA Relay For Life Pietermaritzburg and a Relay Advisory Team member. His involvement extends beyond Relay For Life, as he actively supports CANSA Shavathon and Cuppa For CANSA.

Believing in the power of Relay For Life, Anand shares: “This event offers invaluable education on lowering the risk of cancer and creates an avenue to meet inspiring people on their cancer journey. I am a people’s person.”