Community unites to support cancer sufferer
"I went for several scans and visited different doctors hoping to hear that I do not have cancer in my body,"
LYDENBURG – “I went for several scans and visited different doctors hoping to hear that I do not have cancer in my body,” said Charmaine le Roux, a 35-year-old mother who was diagnosed with secondary-position neuroendocrine cancer, two years ago.
According to Charmaine she thought all that she needed was chemotherapy and everything would be back to normal. Two years later she is still fighting to stay alive with one goal, to see her six-year-old son grow into a man. I was devastated. I was only 34 and the mentioning of the word ‘cancer’ terrified me.”
She received six sessions of chemotherapy. “I was informed that the therapy did not work. The doctors suggested more sessions but again it was not successful.”
Charmaine still did not give up. “I went for another opinion in Pretoria and the doctor suggested radiation for different positions and 10 sessions.
“I walked out of the doctor’s office pain-free but after a week at home the pain reoccurred, this time in a different place. The doctor suggested radiation again. On the day of my radiation, all my pain disappeared. The doctor was shocked and I knew it was a miracle from God, because I was feeling so well that I almost danced out of his office.”
This Monday she was told that the cancer had returned.
Her faith, support from family, friends, former colleagues, employer and community kept her going. For the past months, the public had contributed money to help her pay for medical bills.
Local businesses have started a fund-raising project to assist her. According to Riani Kruger, a local photographer and business owner, they have initiated a competition in which winners will get great prizes. The cost of entering the competition is R150. Entry forms are available at Duet Spa, FemFitness or via email at rianiwentzel@gmail.com.
You need to send a “before” photograph of yourself with your entry form or you can send it via WhatsApp to Riani on
071-362-5615.
All entry forms must be submitted by
July 22 at 16:00. The winners will be announced on July 25. Prizes cannot be redeemed for money. To see the prizes you can win and for more information, call Riani on 071-362-5615.
