Montclair woman crowdfunds in cancerous fight for life
"I'm really scared. I don't want to die. I need more time," she cried.
A BOUT of stomach cramps and a swollen belly which woke a sleeping then-17-year-old Nicolene de Villiers in the middle of the night, was the first indication that something was wrong with the Montclair teen.
After visits to three different hospitals, she was finally diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The scared yet positive teen adopted a positive mindset at the time. “I was scared but positive and went through the process as if I was treating flu. I was younger then and stronger,” she said.
Having been in remission for 10 years, the nightmare returned in 2016 when she was told the cancer had returned and spread. She currently has tumours in her chest and lungs. “Since being re-diagnosed I have been scared. It’s a rough road and an emotional rollercoaster,” said De Villiers. “I was in remission for 10 years and I did not ever think it would return.”
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Now in 2018, the 31-year-old mother of a 15-year-old is fighting for her life. She feels let down by government and her situation is worse because of the oncology crisis in provincial hospitals.
She asks her community to help her to raise money for treatment. “I have been receiving treatment from government hospitals in KZN, which came with many challenges including the oncology crisis. I moved cities to try another government hospital.
Unfortunately, my body has not responded to the treatment I received. I have been told to go home, and let it be, as they have nothing else to offer me. We have other options available privately, but it costs money, money I do not have. I do not want to die because I cannot afford the treatment.
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Please help me raise the funds needed to keep me alive. I’m not ready to leave my little boy or my family. Please help me fight this,” she cried softly.
Through a crowdfunding campaign, Nicolene hopes to raise R350,000 for treatment. So far the campaign has raised R13,450.
Living with cancer makes her day-to-day activities a challenge for Nicolene. The simple act of breathing is now not possible on her own since she stopped treatment. She requires 24-hour care and can barely move. “The private sector has more treatment options available but it is an expensive route. I’m 31-years -old and I don’t feel I should be left to die because of a lack of money.
My little boy still needs me. I’m normally full of laughter and life and always happy. I’m not ready to go,” she cried.
As a buoyant person, Nicolene is normally the life and soul of everyone around her. There is usually nothing that can’t make her laugh and smile but the sickness is eating away at her emotionally. “I love spending time with my family and friends. I love to laugh and everyone who knows me will tell you the same. Since being sick I have cut myself off from everyone. I’m in a bad head space,” she said.
All she can focus on now is to live long enough to see her son finish school and become a young adult. Her goal is to spread awareness and to get involved in creating awareness about ovarian cancer, which is a big silent killer among women.
She urges people to not take life for granted. “Life can change in an instant and we take so much for granted. Life is waking up healthy and being able to do simple things. Breathe, move around, cook for your family and do your own things. People stress over things that don’t matter,” she said.
She urges women to listen to their body, to speak up to their doctors and insist on what they want to be done. “If you don’t feel right, then 10 to 1 something isn’t right. Protect your body and treat it right. Women pay attention to your cycles and feeling bloated. Don’t leave anything to chance. Rather be safe than sorry. Ovarian cancer is most often mistaken for so many other things. Have a papsmear done every year,” she advised.
With so much to look forward into her future and her son’s life, her wish this Christmas is to be healthy and alive. “I’m really scared. I don’t want to die. I need more time,” she cried.
To donate to Nicolene’s cause, visit clickndonate.com and search for her campaign: Please help save me – GOAL R350,000.
