Ian Batten and Gert de Beer from the African Survivor Association (ASF) again did their part of creating prostate cancer awareness this time at St Mary’s Anglican Church recently.
The host was Madiba Masello and she invited them to address members of the South African Teachers Union (SATU). Among the guests were a cancer survivor, Palesa Lsenyeho from the Ageing Social Services and members of the Greater Westonaria Branch of SATU.
Ian Batten and Gert de Beer are both founders and members of this Non Profit Organization which educates the community on prostate cancer. Ian, also a cancer survivor, uses his own life story to make the community aware of this unknown cancer in men.
Gert, a musician and singer also performs during these talks and they always do it in a informative but humoristic way which allows the guests to participate.
With the help of a rugby and tennis ball, Gert illustrated how to do self examination. Recently, a facebook friend of their ASF group saw their cause and through Ian and Gert, got the proper treatment and help.
Any organizations, business, school or facility who are interested in hearing the team talk, please contact Ian on 084 353 9724. Also read Ian’s life story that of pain and suffering and how he ultimately won the fight over the disease.
About Ian:
Ian Batten was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2003.
His story is that of pain and suffering, but ultimately wins the fight over cancer. It is a story of a single dad, who was strong and healthy with two daughters who was suddenly faced with this illness.
He explained there are no symptoms in the early stages, symptoms only starts in stage three and four and then it is already too late. He was tested, and it was revealed that he was already in stage three of testicular cancer.
It was like a death sentence,” Ian said.
He went through several chemo treatments and described how the body hardly keeps any nutrients in between the treatments. In 2009 he got the news that there were lumps found on both sides of his lungs. After he found out, he decided that he can not go through with more chemotherapy sessions but after that became very ill.
He was alone in his room when he heard a voice and he knew it was God telling him:
My son, stand up and no longer keep quiet”.
Since then he went back for the “Red devil chemo” that involved 15 chemo treatments including morphine. His recovery was slow but he pulled through and now he is passionate about ASF.
Their objective is to create and implement innovative way to reach, educate and inform men and women in South Africa as well as Africa about the possible impact of life threatening diseases in their lives. A very crucial part of this awareness it to educate men to do self evaluation in order to detect an early onset of testicular cancer.
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Also read:
Cancer awareness at Avante Primary
‘It was like a death sentence’ – testicular cancer survivor
Cancer awareness at W’aria Primary
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