Tsakani – Chilla no Jamza, an NPO, hosted a breast cancer awareness event at LaRover Lifestyle in Tsakani on October 13.
“The event theme was denim and pink. This month is referred to as ‘Pink October’ as people around the world adopt the pink colour and display a pink ribbon to raise awareness about breast health,” Chilla no Jamza’s COO Nokulunga Nhlanhla said.
The organisation’s founder Johannes Mabena said the purpose of the event was to make people aware of the disease that affects a lot of people.
“It is important to know about breast cancer, it has killed a lot of African people due to lack of knowledge and ignorance. We plan to make the community aware of the disease through educational tips and advice,” he said.
He added that it is important for everyone to leave the event with helpful information and most importantly knowing how to self-examine for any lumps or signs of breast cancer.
“This event was inspired by a girl we met last month at one of our events, who appeared to be shy and constantly isolated herself from people around her. When we were taking photographs at the event she was very reluctant and kept removing herself from everyone else.
“She noticed that I realised that she had been removing herself from everyone else. She approached me and explained her condition to me. She had cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. She lost her hair and wasn’t as confident as before,” Mabena added.
Mabena added that it was at that point that he realised the importance of supporting people who are suffering from cancer, saying after listening to her story, he saw the importance of raising awareness about the disease.
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He further mentioned that many people who are diagnosed with the disease suffer in silence due to not receiving support and encouragement.
The event had a motivational speaker who provided words of encouragement to all those affected by cancer, those who survived, those who are undergoing treatment and all those who have lost family members because of cancer.
“When most people discover they have breast cancer, they become stressed and lose courage. My job is to motivate everyone here to know they are worthy.
“It is not the end of the world. There is chemo to undergo, there is emotional support and medical procedures to undergo and there are people who are always going to stand by your side through it all,” said life coach and motivational speaker Phumla Khumalo-Mtungwa during her address.
She said everyone needs to know that having breast cancer is not a death sentence.
“Men are often too scared to share their experience with the fear of being shamed. They never share their stories and experiences. This event should be an eye-opener that we are always willing to listen and provide support to men who are in need.
“Men should share their journeys with their family members so they may be freely supported and cared for during their difficult time,” she added.
She concluded by advising everyone to stay strong, follow all medical instructions from medical professionals, and take their medication as prescribed.
The event organisers received donations from other members of the community as a helping hand towards making a difference in someone else’s life.
