POLOKWANE – Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016, Grace Bapela (60) said the stigma surrounding people living with cancer has been removed from her community thanks to her support group.
Grace is the founder of Legae Lelebotse la Kgothatso ya Cancer Wellness Centre in her home village, Tjatjaneng, Ga-Mothapo which she started to support those recovering from cancer.
Legae Lelebotse connects health and wellness, agriculture and arts and crafts to equip and empower rural communities.
Grace has been in remission for four years and she told the Polokwane Review that a lack of knowledge motivated her to educate her community and break down the notion that it is taboo to talk about the disease.
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The support group consists of survivors, board members, volunteers, men, women and children from the community and operates as a non-profit organisation.
“A major challenge we face is funding,” Grace said.
The group hosts fun walks in support of cancer campaigns on an annual basis and routinely meet with one another.
Besides her work at the centre, Grace is also a motivational speaker and visits schools to share her experience and is co-directing a documentary that narrates her life story with Lindiwe Matshikiza, titled One Take.
“The support group is available to anyone who is eager to learn more and support cancer awareness,” she said.
The group can be contacted on 064 163 0138 and can be found on Facebook.
Donations can be made on Back-A-Buddy.
