‘Scrap’ misconceptions about breast cancer
Forget about the recent Mayweather vs McGregor fight, Benoni is home to two tougher – albeit lovelier – fighters, who have taken on a much stronger opponent than any other ever encountered in the ring.
Sisters Angela Bjelos and Chantel Wright are breast cancer survivors and they are determined to raise awareness about the disease.
Inspired by their own personal battles, Angela and Chantel have organised the Breast Friends 4Eva Scrapbooking Event which will take place on Saturday, October 21, from 8am to 5pm.
The event, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will be held at Cherrylane Gourmet Café, in Northmead.
Funds raised on the day will go to the Breast Health Foundation, which was established in 2002 with the aim of educating the public about breast health and cancer.
The idea for the fund-raiser was the brainchild of Chantel and a dear friend, Ashleigh Devine, who is also a breast cancer survivor.
Dr Carol-Ann Benn, who is considered one of the top breast cancer experts in South Africa, and plastic surgeon Dr Alexandra Grubnik will be guest speakers on the day.
“There is life after breast cancer” is the powerful and uplifting message behind this event and the two sisters decided to base the day’s activities around scrapbooking because ‘…it’s our favourite thing to do’.”
Aside from supplying the scrapbooking kits and providing scrappers with a fun environment to enhance their creativity, there will also be teachers present to assist and offer artistic advice.
According to Angela and Chantel, Breast Friends 4Eva is in memory of a dear friend, Marlene Diamond.
In keeping her memory alive, the sisters will put up a painting of a tree on the day.
This painting represents the Tree of Life and ‘scrappers’ are encouraged to bring a photo of a loved one, who has battled cancer, and hang it on the tree in order to symbolise the leaves.
It has been a tough journey for the sisters, but they have remained positive and are an inspiration to others who might be going through a difficult time.
“Family is everything,” said Angela, describing the great support structure her and Chantel have had behind them.
“You are stronger and braver than you think,” are Chantel’s words of encouragement to others who are undergoing treatment.
Part of Angela and Chantel’s awareness campaign is to dispel some of the common misconceptions about breast cancer.
Some of these myths include:
• Breast cancer doesn’t affect men.
• You can only develop breast cancer after a certain age.
The Breast Friends 4Eva Scrapbooking Event costs R850 per person and includes lunch, tea on arrival, two tea breaks and a scrapbooking kit.
What is not included in the cost is meeting incredible people and having a fun and inspiring day.
There will also be gift bags and a raffle for a painting which was donated by the Benoni Art Route.
Space is limited so if you want to show your support, make sure you book your place soon.
For more information, or for bookings, contact Angela on 083 785 0367 or Chantel on 083 788 3173.
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