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Stories of Hope
Read about our cancer Survivors’ journeys as they cope with cancer and be inspired and encouraged. See posts below.
Share Your Story with Us
Your story as a cancer Survivor (anyone who has heard the words “you have cancer”) or as a loved one, or caregiver of someone affected by cancer, can be of great encouragement to others.
Share your experience and join our support groups on Facebook.
*CANSA reserves the right not to publish your story if content is inappropriate, and to edit copy – you will receive the link to your story per email and can ask for edits to be made. The turn-around time for a story to be published is 5 work days. Queries may be sent to info@cansa.org.za
Read more stories of Hope here:
- CANSA website – share your story
- Shavathon website – share your story
- Relay For Life website – share your story
Wynand – a Survivor of Childhood Cancer
My name is Wynand van der Westhuizen. I was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma at the age of 9 on New Year’s Eve, 2000. The cancer had spread throughout my body and bone marrow and I had to receive very intensive chemotherapy. I had a few courses that made me lose my hair three times. My […]
Read morePublished: 1 February 2011 | Last Updated: 17 June 2025
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Stories of Hope
I’m Never Alone – the Mari Michael Story
From the Heart of Jozi comes an unusual vocal talent. But it’s Mari Michael’s versatility and song writing skills that makes her new album “Droom” a force to be reckoned with. Mari’s sheer determination, hard work and a stubborn refusal to never give up, has kept her going through a long and rocky road. Young […]
Read morePublished: 29 November 2009 | Last Updated: 17 March 2021
Categories: Stories of Hope
Share YOUR Story of HOPE and Inspire Others
Your story as a cancer survivor (anyone who has heard the words “you have cancer”) or as a loved one or caregiver of someone affected by cancer, can be of great encouragement to others. Share your story with us – the tears and laughter, the hope and pain, the friendships and solitude… Share your story […]
Read morePublished: 21 November 2009 | Last Updated: 13 October 2015
Categories: Stories of Hope
Carol’s Triumph Over Breast Cancer
This is Carrol Michel’s story as published by author, Anisa Ussuph (East Coast Radio), on 8th October 2009. Anisa begins by sharing how breast cancer has touched her personally: You must know by now that Breast Cancer Awareness month has kicked in. A few years back, I lost a very dear aunt to cancer. Before that, the disease and its prevalence […]
Read morePublished: 12 October 2009 | Last Updated: 27 August 2013
Categories: Stories of Hope
Interview: Candy Kotze Hayes Skin Cancer Survivor
Candy, when were you diagnosed with skin cancer and what kind was it? I was diagnosed with Morphoic Basil Cell Carcinoma in 2000. The cancer wasn’t totally visible on my face other than a slight itch, small veins and slight skin discoloration. Describe what you went through emotionally? It was a complete shock to my […]
Read morePublished: 14 November 2008 | Last Updated: 19 June 2025
Categories: Stories of Hope
Elizabeth Survives Skin Cancer
When I was growing up I loved the outdoors, especially swimming in the sea and I never wore a hat in those days. I have had to pay a price for that, with my skin. For the past 10 years I have suffered from sun damage from my childhood. I have had many small patches […]
Read morePublished: 1 November 2008 | Last Updated: 4 January 2021
Categories: Stories of Hope
Interview: Beulah Jankelowitz Breast Cancer Survivor
The management of breast cancer has improved significantly in recent years. Cancer is being found in earlier, more treatable stages and there are more treatment options for women to choose from. Nowadays the topic of breast cancer is discussed more openly. Beulah Jankelowitz has actively supported CANSA and she was also the National Coordinator the […]
Read morePublished: 29 September 2008 | Last Updated: 17 June 2025
Categories: Stories of Hope
Actress Lillian Dube Cancer Survivor
Popular actress Lillian Dube, who underwent surgery for breast cancer in 2008, has used her experience to spread awareness about the disease. The bubbly and outspoken actress is renowned for her role as the matriarch and matron Sister Bettina of the health communications drama Soul City. Lillian, who also stars in Muvhango, underwent surgery and […]
Read morePublished: 11 September 2008 | Last Updated: 4 June 2024
Categories: Stories of Hope
