CANSA is honoured to announce Izak Bellingan as a Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope. His story stands as a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, hope can grow, purpose can deepen, and strength can be found in unity, faith and perseverance: “When I was first diagnosed I was reluctant to […]

CANSA is honoured to introduce Lavona Spiers as a Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope. In late 2015, what began as common, seemingly harmless symptoms soon led to a life-altering diagnosis of colorectal cancer — news that Lavona never imagined would be hers. Faced with fear, uncertainty and the deep impact on her young […]

CANSA is pleased to introduce Elza-Marie van Lille as a Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope. What began as a lump discovered while on holiday soon became a life-changing diagnosis, setting Elza-Marie on a journey that would test her strength, faith and resolve in unimaginable ways. Today, living in remission, Elza-Marie continues to inspire others through her positivity and perseverance, reminding everyone affected by cancer that hope is real, support matters, and no one has to walk this journey alone.

CANSA is proud to announce Vivienne Van Der Schuur as a Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope. Diagnosed with cancer in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vivienne’s journey began under incredibly difficult circumstances — alone in hospital, facing surgery with courage and determination. Yet even in those early moments, her strength, compassion and deep sense of purpose shone through.

Announcing our 2025 Global Heroes of Hope! Each one of our Global heroes brings a face and voice to the cancer battle as well as reinforces the importance of the work we do on a daily basis.

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.

CANSA proudly celebrates Sophia Alley from Durban, who has been named a Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope for 2025. A dedicated volunteer for over a decade, Sophia was inspired to give back after completing her cancer treatment 10 years ago.

Announcing our 2024 Global Heroes of Hope! Each one of our Global heroes brings a face and voice to the cancer battle as well as reinforces the importance of the work we do on a daily basis. Michael Williams: Global Hero of Hope (Survivor) “I want to give back to my community even more, and […]

Empowering Leaders, Enhancing Impact!

We’re excited to announce that Global Hero of Hope (Survivor), Freda Botha from Gqeberha, has been appointed to the Core Leadership Team of the Global Heroes of Hope programme. Core members actively participate in engagement opportunities created by the Global Relay For Life staff, the leadership team, or from the American Cancer Society’s Global Cancer […]

Announcing our 2023 Global Heroes of Hope! Each one of our Global heroes brings a face and voice to the cancer battle as well as reinforces the importance of the work we do on a daily basis. Agnes Munien: Global Hero of Hope (Survivor) “Inspiring event for me and all cancer survivors” I was diagnosed […]

My cancer support group and being around other cancer survivors makes me feel part of something bigger. I am treated as a VIP at our CANSA Relay For Life, Mitchells Plain event and this is my community where I feel welcomed.