Midrand model hosts a glamourous event to fight cancer

Mrs South Africa 2022 finalist Vicky-Lee Coffen gives a helping hand to a non-government aimed at fighting cancer.

September 6, 2022

Sphiwe Masilela 1 minute read

Mrs South Africa 2022 finalist Vicky-Lee Coffen at the fundraising event held in Waterfall City. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Midrand-based Mrs South Africa 2022 finalist Vicky-Lee Coffen held a glamorous fundraising event to help fight the cancer battle in the country.

The glittering occasion was held in Waterfall City on September 1 and was aimed at raising funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) which is a non-government funded organisation.

Athi Geleba and Vicky-Lee Coffen at the Cansa fundraising event. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Fast cars and beauty pageantry were the order of the night as other finalists came to support Coffen including the reigning Mrs South Africa Jo Judnick-Wilson and Mrs Universe Africa 2022.

Coffen said the night was about allowing everyone to learn about the dangers of cancer and urged men and women to always go for regular cancer check-ups.

Mrs South Africa 2022 finalist Vicky-Lee Coffen hopes her efforts to fight cancer will go a long way.

Breast cancer survivor Marie Claassen (72) who was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago said she was grateful to still be alive.

Breast cancer survivor Marie Claassen and Cansa sustainability coordinator Mandy de Ridder at the fundraising event. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Classen, who worked for Cansa for five years said, “It was a journey that I do not know how I overcame but if it was not for the Lord and my family’s support, I do not know if I would be able to go through it alone. I had to go immediately for a double mastectomy because when it was discovered, it was spreading very quickly.”

Reigning Mrs South Africa 2022 Jo Judnick-Wilson with model coach Cathy Heaton at the Cansa fundraising event.

Cansa sustainability coordinator Mandy de Ridder said without the donations they received, it was difficult for the organisation to do research and provide education and support systems which were the three components they focused on.

Athi Geleba and Mrs South Africa 2022 finalist Vicky-Lee Coffen enjoy each other’s company at the fundraising event. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“We make decision-makers aware of challenges faced by cancer patients in accessing cancer screening and treatment. Necessary changes [are needed] to lower the public’s cancer risk and protect the rights of cancer patients and caregivers,” said de Ridder.