Young woman thrives after beating cancer

Helen Kutumela lost one of her legs at the age of 12 after a battle of four years against osteosarcoma.

Kutumela is working as a store controller at Working on Fire’s Modimolle base, said Matema Gwangwa, communications officer of WoF.

Kutumela joined the organisation in 2019 and has undergone training in stock management, financial skills and computer studies. According to Kutumela her family did not suspect that her symptoms were serious and treated her with traditional herbs and medicine.

When her leg worsened, they went all out trying to seek help and a cure for her condition. “They eventually took me to the Steve Biko Hospital in 2001 where I was diagnosed with cancer of the bone in my right leg,” said Kutumela.

She received treatment at Steve Biko and Kalafong hospitals. It was a very tough time for her family as they believed that cancer could not be cured and that cancer is a death sentence. As the years passed, her medical condition deteriorated and the cancer spread to her entire leg.

The doctors advised her family to have the leg amputated in order to save her life.

“I woke up from the operation in 2005 without my leg. It was the worst nightmare of my life. I was 12 years old at that time,” said Kutumela.

Her family’s support through the ordeal encouraged her and gave her confidence. She continued with her education, even though there were many challenges for a disabled child at school, it did not affect her goals and vision. It made her more determined to succeed.

Kutumela was declared cancer free in 2012. She became the talk of the community as the young hero who won a battle against cancer.

“I am so grateful that my family supported me through this journey. They have been my pillar of strength from the beginning until now. I am also grateful to Working on Fire for investing in my career and my future. They gave me an opportunity when they recruited me,” said Kutumela.