lzak 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:

“When I was first diagnosed I was reluctant to share with anybody and kept it secret. Once I had managed to get my head around it, I decided I needed prayer support from family and friends and informed them of my diagnosis. I was teaching full time at this stage, Matric Afrikaans and Maths, and wanted to see them through their final exams. I began radiation and chemo-therapy simultaneously on 22 July 2015 and, because I did not want to miss teaching time, had to get up at 01:30am every morning to take my chemo tablets to enable me to go for radiation at 15:00. This continued for six weeks. On 13 October 2015 I had part of my colon / rectum removed and an ileostomy performed to allow healing. I was declared in remission and on 18 January 2016 my ileostomy was reversed. My wife, Shirlene, was my rock and together we decided that we would approach this positively – I even asked her to please kick my butt if at any stage I started having a Pity Party. I was blessed to have cancer as it brought me closer to my God and made me a more humble and empathetic person.

I started on the Survivorship sub-committee and for the past two years, have been the Survivorship chairperson and l’m in
charge of the Survivor Database. Relay For Life has provided support and hope for very many people (particularly here in East London) and the feedback after a Relay For Life event is always very positive and people here participate eagerly. Relay For Life is also a wonderful way of keeping in contact with other survivors both locally and internationally.”

I am also involved in CANSA Shavathon, especially at schools here in East London. I assist and support at any CANSA function I can, such as our Heritage Walk (which is organised by one of the team captains) and the Christmas Fun Run/Walk and I help to promote and sell CANSA merchandise. I am also available to do talks regarding men’s health if required.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on the East London CANSA Relay For Life Committee and hope to spend many more years serving our community in this regard. I’m also hoping that by telling the story of my journey through, and eventually overcoming, cancer can bring hope and encouragement to others.”