The fault in their stars
ALBERTON - Richard Shaw and Jené Kotze first met during chemotherapy treatment. Both had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
According to the CANSA factsheet on lymphoma, it is one of the most common forms of blood cancers and occurs when cells of the immune system called lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably.
The couple initially did not connect, but were encouraged to get to know one another by the nursing staff. They bonded over their shared diagnosis. Jené said that no one else understood the process she was going through. Jené discovered she was cancer-free after two years of treatment; Richard’s prognosis was not as positive. A second opinion reported that Richard was terminal.
The pair refused to accept this information without a fight and decided to combat the cancer.
In their mission to find an effective treatment for Richard, they have found a potential solution. Richard and Jené are trying to secure enough money to use a treatment not licensed in South Africa called brentuximab vedotin, that is not covered by his medical aid.
The appeal to raise funds for Richard’s treatment will take place on April 25 at De Rust; Hartebeespoort Dam, called Angling for Cancer.
All profits from the event will go towards Richard’s treatment. Tickets for the event are on sale for R400 per pair or R50 per person at the gate.
For more information visit the website www.incelebrationofme.co.za or contact Gloria on 061 077 8403.
The couple hopes that once Richard recovers the profits from Angling for Cancer will be used to fund other people with cancers’ recovery efforts.
