Lymphoma survivor shares his story

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer and is one of the most aggressive and fastest spreading cancers in the world.

The ‘I am the Voice of Lymphoma’ campaign is an initiative which brings together patients and survivors as well as concerned healthcare professionals in an effort to inform the public about the early warning signs and symptoms of the disease.

Big Brother season two contestant and non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor, Ilse-Mari Hodgkiss, was the master of ceremonies at the event. Top oncologist Dr Devan Moodley spoke from a doctor’s point of view, while South African rugby hero and lymphoma survivor, Chris Rossouw, spoke about the importance of offering support to lymphoma survivors.

Van Eyck, who gave the keynote address, shared his inspiring story of survival.

The Supersport presenter was leading a jet-setting lifestyle when he started to get sick very often but tried to ignored it.

Van Eyck said, “My wife and I were travelling in South East Asia when I became so sick that I started vomiting blood. The doctor on the Thai island we were staying on told me it was probably stomach ‘flu but as soon as we got back to South Africa I consulted my doctor. I was referred to Dr Moodley and it was discovered that I had Hodgkins lymphoma.”

Van Eyck became involved in the ‘I am the Voice of Lymphoma’ campaign after Dr Moodley recommended it as a good support structure.

Van Eyck said, “I didn’t know anything about lymphoma before I was diagnosed with it. In South Africa disease can be a taboo subject but we need to talk more about it as this will increase awareness.”

He attributes his survival to a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle.

He said, “The disease is fought mentally before anything else but I’ve also learnt that it’s ok to feel vulnerable.”

Van Eyck added, “Since being diagnosed with lymphoma it has opened my eyes to life in every way. Although it sounds like a cliche it has definitely made me want to live life to the max.”