Announcing the 2026 Global Heroes of Hope!

Izak Bellingan: Global Hero of Hope (Survivor)

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… Read more

Lavona Spiers: Global Hero of Hope (Survivor)

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 family, she turned to faith, drawing strength, comfort and courage in one of the most challenging moments of her life… Read more

Vivienne Van Der Schuur: Global Hero of Hope (Survivor)

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… Read more

Elza-Marie van Lille: Global Hero of Hope (Survivor and Caregiver)

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… Read more

CANSA Relay For Life is a celebration of life and therefore spreads the message that
cancer isn’t a death sentence and brings communities together.

The Global Relay For Life Heroes of Hope are symbols of personal victories over cancer as they encourage, support and participate in Relay For Life and the mission of the cancer organisations. These exemplary cancer Survivors are not only willing to share the story of their own personal cancer journey, but are also willing to become a voice for cancer organisations and the life saving work they do in the fight against cancer.

Their leadership and determination help grow Survivorship Programmes, as well as Relay For Life. These heroes have lobbied governments and the United Nations for support, helped make the word “Survivor” a celebration of life, and created momentum for local events. They are true Heroes!

South African Global Heroes of Hope

Cancer Survivors inspire hope, courage and determination to fight cancer. South Africa is extremely proud of our Globally recognised Heroes of Hope – they are beacons of hope to all other cancer patients and Survivors in our country.  As a voice and ambassador of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), they increase awareness of our organisation, its mission and grow CANSA Relay For Life participation. Their role is so important in leading other Survivors to step up and make a difference. Survivors have the power to save lives by sharing their story and demonstrating many ways to fight back.

Relay For Life welcomes our Heroes to the Global network of Heroes of Hope who are determined to make a difference in saving lives by sharing their story and leading the way. We are grateful for their volunteer efforts and support of CANSA.  Volunteers like this make a difference in the fight in reducing cancer risk and will give those on their cancer journey the opportunity to celebrate more birthdays.

“We are truly honoured to have these very special people being selected as our representatives in our country for CANSA and Relay For Life to spread the message of HOPE,” says CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert. “These people are the faces and voices of victory over cancer and reinforce why we do what we do on a daily basis.”

“Carrying a powerful testimony of survival and strength, these Global Heroes of Hope can spread the message of hope and courage to cancer Survivors worldwide. These extraordinary people serve as beacons of HOPE to all cancer patients and Survivors in our country.” concludes Joubert.

Congratulations on being selected as a Global Hero of Hope!

South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope

As new Heroes are selected for the new year, the Heroes of the last year will be known as Alumni Heroes, “Once a Hero, always a Hero“. They will continue to represent CANSA, providing us with  a network of Heroes and a pool of ready speakers and leaders to inspire others.

Meet our Alumni Global Heroes of Hope:

• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2025
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2024
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2023
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2022
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2021 (Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our 2020 Global Heroes of Hope remained the same in 2021)
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2020
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2019
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2018
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2017
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2016
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2015
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2014
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2013
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2012
• South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2011