South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope – 2014
Anne Pheiffer – Global Hero of Hope 2014
I was 56 when I was diagnosed with stomach cancer – my oncologist told me that it was stage 4 stomach cancer and that in all probability, I had only 6 months left to live. My first thought was that my life was in God’s hands and that He would decide when it was over. I was not going to give up hope! I made the decision to fight the cancer from the beginning and to remain positive. Read more…
Ester Pretorius – Global Hero of Hope 2014
I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx (vocal chords) at the age of 43. My oncologist’s prognosis was not positive – he indicated that if the radiation therapy was not successful, I would have to receive chemotherapy or have my vocal chords removed. The possibility existed that he might not be able to treat me successfully and that the cancer would be left to spread – I was literally staring death in the face!
I was determined not to have my vocal chords removed, as I wanted to laugh and chat to my grandchildren. I found it hard to accept my diagnosis – I had never smoked, although my mother had been a chain smoker. Read more…
Magda Jacobs – Global Hero of Hope 2014
At the age of 21, I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I was told that I only had a 20% chance of surviving surgery and that even if it was successful I may not recover fully. Surgery was scheduled for just a week after my diagnosis and I remember saying goodbye to family and friends shortly beforehand. Yet, despite the fact that I had brain cancer and that there was a strong possibility that I might die, I had a feeling that everything was going to be fine. Before going in to surgery, I was calm, because I knew that I would see my loved ones again. Read more…
Nicholas Joseph – Global Hero of Hope 2014
I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 66, at Parklands Hospital, Durban. During surgery an eighth of my colon was removed. After the operation, I was referred to an oncologist who told me that I had 3rd stage colorectal cancer and that I would need six months of chemotherapy treatment. Devastated as I was by this news, I decided not to give up – even when my weight dropped from 53kg to 43kg as a result of chemotherapy!During treatment I decided to use my time to motivate others in a similar position to myself. I actively encouraged other patients not to lose hope and to trust God, while we prayed together. Read more…
