Cansa volunteers give inspiring stories to local survivours

Cancer survivors shared their stories of triumph and why they decided to give back to the community.

In 2016, Agnes Munien received a diagnosis no woman ever wants to hear – breast cancer.

She was 53 at the time.

The cancer survivor and Cansa volunteer discovered the lump through a simple self-examination.

Recalling that moment, she said, “It was overnight that I found the lump.

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“I did this daily because I was on holiday in Durban and could not pick up my left arm.

“I wasn’t too sure what it was, and when I returned to Joburg, I did the self-examination on my breast daily.”

One fateful night, a sharp pain in her arm led her to the undeniable reality of a large lump on the side of her breast.

Overwhelmed and frightened, Munien reached out to her daughter-in-law the following morning and immediately booked a mammogram.

The journey through chemotherapy was far from easy. Munien battled sickness and, at times, even contemplated giving up.

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She confessed, “There were times when I said to myself, I think it is time for me to go.

“The only thing that went into my mind was death. I always thought about dying. I never had hope.”

However, Munien’s life took a turn when she began to research her condition and seek support.

“Eventually, I started doing a lot of research, and that is when my attitude and approach to this disease changed. I needed to be positive,” she explained.

With a new attitude, she started attending support groups and meetings.

Today, Munien is a survivor and a beacon of hope for others who face cancer.

She is deeply committed to helping those newly diagnosed and fighting the battle.

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“As a survivor now, I will help people who were diagnosed and are fighting cancer. I need to give that support,” she affirmed.

She is the global hero of hope for Cansa.

Another remarkable survivor and Cansa volunteer is Melissa-Sue Jordaan, who faced cancer at a shockingly young age.

Her journey began at 11 when she discovered a lump in her left groin.

Despite the rarity of her condition, Kaposi sarcoma, Jordaan’s parents, both with medical backgrounds, ensured she received prompt medical attention.

Jordaan recalled, “I was so sick and thin, and my hair fell out because of the chemo. I had to wear a doek.

“I still attended normal classes but would have to stay out of school a lot because I would go for treatment.”

Jordaan’s battle with cancer stole parts of her youth, leaving her exhausted and frequently needing blood transfusions.

She never wavered, however, and her mother’s unwavering support played a vital role in her fight.

“I just wanted to get better every time. I never thought of giving up,” Jordaan said.

In her early 20s, the cancer receded, allowing her to regain her health and life.

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But her experience left an indelible mark, propelling her to become a Cansa volunteer later in life.

Reflecting on her decision to volunteer, Jordaan emphasised the importance of fundraisers and regular check-ups.

“I can, from experience, say the income from fundraising events does contribute toward a good cause.

“It is vital for people to do regular check-ups because cancer starts from stage one and goes to stage four.

“Regular check-ups make it easier for early detection so the cancer can be treated,” she stressed.

Jordaan dedicated her time and energy to Cansa fundraisers over the past two years.

She continues to learn and grow and is excited for the journey ahead.

“Volunteering is for a good cause, and you hear every daily of people who have cancer, and I feel the little bit I do can help the next person,” Jordaan shared.