Don’t miss out on a chance to support Cuppa for Cansa on August 31 at the EBC upper hall, 975 Munshi Street, Actonville, from 10am.
Organised by local resident Rahginie Pillay, the Cuppa event will provide a platform for cancer survivors and caregivers to share their stories.
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“I lost my mum due to lung cancer when I was young,” said the event organiser.
Her loss inspired Pillay to take an interest in the disease in order to help others by educating and creating awareness around it.
This is the second event she is hosting in aid of educating others about cancer.
“The main speaker is Global Hero of Hope for CANSA Sonia Pretorius,” Pillay said.
There will be other speakers too, including Ryan Fallon (cancer survivor) and eight-year-old Joshua Switala, also a cancer survivor.
Pillay said she chose Pretorius as a guest speaker because she has a heartfelt story to tell.
Pretorius was also selected by the American Cancer Society to represent South Africa as a Global Hero of Hope.
“I was 27 when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Being recently divorced, with a one-year-old daughter, I had no choice but to survive,” Pretorius said.
“In a way my daughter saved my life.”
However, Pretorius was no stranger to the disease.
“When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and it was a long fight of 16 years.
“It was during this journey with the many hospital visits that I was made aware of the importance of proper equipment, correct diagnosis and lifestyle changes that are needed for the entire family to win this fight.”
Pretorius did not tell her family about her diagnosis until she was in remission.
“It was only after my first Cansa Relay For Life, that I felt empowered and was able to open up about my own diagnosis.”
Pillay added that she believes the stories of cancer survivors will empower others.
“In line with our Cuppa theme for this year – My Cuppa, My Story – I encourage everyone to come and be part of our 2019 story,” she concluded.
“Although there is a limited number of tickets available, monetary donations of any amounts are more than welcome as we would like to hand over a substantial amount to Cansa,” Pillay explained.
The cost of a ticket is R150 which includes a high tea.
All proceeds will go towards Cansa’s care and support programmes.
