Marnique Venter (17) is a stunning young woman on the brink of adulthood and full of dreams, hopes and expectations for a wonderful future, as she completes her matric exams at Richards Bay High School.
To many of her peers, final exams are looming like a mountain, but for Marnique, it is an anthill compared to what she has had to overcome in her young life.
In 2006, she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma – the most common pediatric malignant primary brain tumor.
The life-threatening cancer originates in the part of the brain towards the back and the bottom, on the floor of the skull, in the cerebellum or posterior fossa.
According to her mom, Marleze, a fierce 19-month battle of operations, chemotherapy and radiations followed.
‘I have never seen such a small body fight back so bravely and ferociously.’
Marnique found spiritual and physical strength in her deep faith in Jesus Christ, and came out victoriously.
Relay for Life
In 2008, still recovering from her ordeal, she delivered the opening address in the CANSA Relay for Life, touching the lives of countless of cancer survivors and their loved ones.
She was also chosen as the top individual fundraiser for the event.
Fresh from the fight, Marnique reached out to pupils at various local schools, including Grantham Park Primary, Grantleigh, Zululand Remedial Centre and Sasolburg, encouraging them to live positively, experience every day as a gift and never give up.
She then visited hospitals, spreading her message of hope and victory against all odds, with a smile, a hug and a word of encouragement to those vulnerable, ill and in despair.
CANSA International took note of her fighting spirit, honouring her with the first ever ‘CANSA Honorary Award’.
Marleze says Marnique’s private emotions, fears and feelings are poured out in poems behind closed doors, but when she emerges, she is ready to encourage and uplift others afresh.
Despite her busy matric schedule, she was intensely involved in the school first aid team.
She has already contacted the Reach for a Dream Foundation, to offer her time and talents whenever needed.
‘Marnique has a deep passion for people. Her inner strength and desire to make a difference in other people’s lives, are so inspiring.
Marnique says she has learned two lessons in life:
‘We are not like the Biblical Samson – our strength does not lie in our hair or in our outer beauty, but instead flows from inside.
‘Lastly, we should not keep looking back to the past – it will prevent you from moving forward and reaching out to a wonderful future.’
DID YOU KNOW?
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zo_teens
