South African Alumni Global Heroes of Hope 2017
Anthea Lewis
Anthea Lewis
Anthea was diagnosed at the age of 38 with breast cancer – at that stage she was 1 of 3 who were battling cancer in her family.
Shortly after her diagnosis she became part of the CANSA Relay For Life movement in South Africa, at that stage she was still struggling to accept her own diagnosis and participated, not really knowing what to expect – it was during the Survivors Lap that she allowed herself to cry for the 1st time. In the Survivors tent she met fellow Survivors who shared their stories – and she felt at home – she could understand and relate to what they were saying. And this is where she started sharing her story of Hope – inspiring and supporting fellow Survivors.
Anthea is all about celebrating life. She lives each day to the fullest and leaves room for no regrets. She shares her story of Hope with many and inspires those around her with the words: “I have cancer, cancer doesn’t have me.” Read more…
Ardath Bernadette Datnow
Ardath Datnow
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our CANSA Relay For Life, Global Hero of Hope, Ardath Datnow who sadly passed away. We can all draw strength and inspiration from her dedication and passion for patient care and educating others about cancer. She was a leader volunteer for many years and leaves behind a legacy and motivation for us to continue supporting all affected by cancer.
#OnceAHeroAlwaysAHero #CANSARelayForLife #CANSACares
Since the first CANSA Relay For Life started in Kimberley, Ardath, breast cancer Survivor, attended everyone! She is a well-known face at the Survivor rounds and especially appreciates the Luminaria, as she has already seen so many Survivors losing the fight. Survivors make an effort to walk close to Ardath during the Survivor round. It just makes absolutely sense that as many people as possible be exposed to the aura that this gentle lady has. She touches lives in a very special way.
What an experience to hear her journey with cancer and the many different Survivors she has been involved with – supporting and motivating as best as she could. It is awesome to experience Ardath doing a prosthesis fitting.
She lets the Survivor feel comfortable, special and beautiful. Ardath adds value to that person’s self-esteem.
Ardath Datnow symbolizes Hope and the willingness to continue the fight against cancer. Says Ardath, “Cancer made me more positive, caring and overall a better person.” Read more…
Leonie Nerissa Harry
Leonie Harry
Says Leonie, “CANSA Relay For Life is my platform for celebration of life and sharing Hope.”
Leonie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38 years in 2002. She was absolutely devastated by the diagnosis, and her world, as she knew it, came crashing down.
She had to have her left breast amputated, and she very quickly descended into a dark pit of depression and anger caused by her loss: the loss of her breast, her “femininity”, her identity and some of her friends. She became introverted and very unsociable, and the onset of chemotherapy only added fuel to her fire of loss and anger. She lost weight, lost her hair, lost her appetite, lost her energy, lost her faith and lost Hope.
Slowly, with the love and care of her colleagues, a few friends, the staff of the Oncology Unit, and the love, care and support of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) East London staff, Leonie started reclaiming her life. She also began to realize the importance of meeting other cancer Survivors and belonging to a support group. She started developing a passion to help other cancer Survivors to cope with their diagnoses and consequent side effects, and she learnt to laugh again. Read more…
Wynand Pienaar
Wynand Pienaar
“There is no better way to live my dream and to tell my story than through CANSA Relay For Life,” says Wynand.
Wynand, an avid rugby player, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February 2016, at the age of 27. He kept himself motivated and determined to beat the disease and continue his dream to play rugby again. After successful treatment he is now in remission and is motivated to make a remarkable return to rugby in 2017.
Wynand wants to inspire upcoming sports stars, by showing them that whatever comes your way , you should never give up your dream to be what you always want to be and to inspire others to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle to help reduce their cancer risk.
Wynand believes that cancer is not the beginning of the end, but that it’s the beginning of a new life, and that’s why he wants to live his life to the fullest and inspire his community, as well as the world with his story. Read more…
