It was 12 years ago when Elsje Neethling last walked down Lover’s Lane as an aspirant, starry-eyed journalist.
On Saturday, the 34-year-old returned to her beloved NWU-Pukke Potch Campus, only this time in a wheelchair. But, having shown cancer who’s boss on numerous occasions from an early age, the brainchild behind the ‘Hip*E’ jewellery range, is not in the least bothered by her immobility. Nothing ever gets her down. The sister of the 2004 Olympic gold medallist, Ryk Neethling, was the guest speaker at Cansa’s “Morning of Hope” held at the NWU Gallery. She took more than 120 guests on her incredible journey dating back to 1993, filled with unexpected bursts of humour and deep reflection.
“I had the best time of my life right here on this campus,” said Neethling, who went on to strike up a deal with the ladies in the crowd.
“For every necklace purchased, I’ll provide you with a digit of my brother’s cell phone number.” Laughter aside, she continued to look back at what has been a tumultuous 21 years, beating cancer 9 times. “It’s actually quite sad because, as a student, I never thought I’d return one day, not being able to walk.” During her four years as a business communication and graphic design student, Elsje was the life and soul of Radio Puk as news editor. Her infectious laugh was also heard down many a hallway.
For the first time in many years, the former Eunice High School learner from Bloemfontein, could enjoy a carefree existence. “I shared a house in Tom Street with two of my friends. We didn’t have any bills to pay. We just didn’t have any ‘grown-up’ kind of problems,” added Elsje.
It was in 1993 when as a 13-year-old, she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. Doctors had given her six months to live. Within a matter of minutes, her and her family’s lives had changed forever. “I remember being rushed to the hospital, not being able to walk or see properly,” she explained. “And my dad, not wanting to dwell on what was happening, kept on reassuring me that I had been selected for the Free State swimming team and that I mustn’t worry.”
Several scans, doses of morphine, and lengthy operations later, the feisty teenager overcame the first of many battles to follow.
Arriving at the amphitheatre for the rector’s welcome in 2000, Elsje was ready to embark on the adventure of her life. As a qualified journalist, she got a job at Die Volksblad and life was peachy. Ryk had won his first Olympic gold medal as part of the 4 x 100m freestyle relay in Athens. The quartet had stunned the sporting world by not only smashing the world record, but also denying the favourites, the US, victory.
But in 2007, matters spiralled out of control once more. A totally unrelated type of cancer had manifest itself in her spinal fluid. Surgery was inevitable, accompanied by months of chemo and radiation therapy. It was during these long days spent waiting at one of Bloemfontein’s major public hospitals that Elsje was able to nurture and explore a dormant passion.
“I remember the walls were a bright, hideous green and one could smell death around every corner within the oncology section,” she noted. In a bid to keep busy, Elsje started threading beads. As they waited their turn, her fellow patients soon caught on and joined her. Little did she know that it would turn out to be a flourishing business.
“The doctors would often shout at me because my friends would first have to finish a necklace or a bracelet,” laughed Elsje.
“When I bead, I conjure up creations that make me smile. It heals me from within.” Being the go-getter that she is, Elsje has since written a book and is in the process of launching her film proposal in the States later this year. Having a famous brother also hasn’t changed or elevated her status in any way.
“I am no superhero. I am just lucky to have been given another chance and, as a result, I can’t wait to wake up in the morning.”
In typical Elsje fashion, she has set up her own charity ‘I BEAD Cancer.’ Proceeds from sales of her jewellery go towards this cause, which aims to empower all terminally ill patients wishing to create their own masterpieces.
She really is a source of light and fully deserves a front row spot under the sun.
