For cancer fighters, February is more than just a month; every day feels like a battle. Every moment of chemotherapy, hair loss, sweat, blood, and tears— the fight against cancer is often a lonely one. This February cancer survivors have the opportunity to come together and share their stories under the theme United by Unique, a heartfelt awareness campaign aimed at putting people at the centre of care. It showcases how people like cancer survivor Henrietta van Kramberg can inspire others.
Shining a Light on Cancer
Earlier this month, World Cancer Day highlighted the realities of living with the disease, from the emotional toll to the financial strain many face. “World Cancer Day puts a spotlight on cancer. It allows us to share and create awareness,” says Sharon Thomson, Business Development Officer at PinkDrive. “This awareness is not just about numbers—it’s about the personal journeys of those affected,” she added.
Cancer survivors in South Africa often run into a range of challenges on their path to recovery. These can be influenced by both general post-treatment effects and specific regional factors. Some of those challenges include healthcare access and systemic, socioeconomic, psychosocial and physical health.
Facing the Diagnosis
For some, a cancer diagnosis comes as a shock. But every journey is different, and every story deserves to be told. For Kramberg it was an anticipated confirmation. “To be honest, I was not as shocked as I should have been, but I had been living with the lumps for the better part of a year. I was aware I could solve it. But I was worried about my family, especially how they would react.”
Beyond medical treatments, the disease brings deeply personal struggles. for example, Kramberg, struggled with her hair loss, “I was brave until I lost my hair, and you don’t know you are vain until you lose your hair. That was really hard. I didn’t cry till the day I lost my hair. It was a symbol for me as a woman”.
The Strength of Support
Cancer is not fought alone. Friends, family, and organisations play a crucial role. “You must have a support group. I always say it’s not the medicine that made me feel better, it’s the support from friends and my family that made me feel better. My family stopped their entire life and moved in with me to take care of me. My unemployed friend drove me to chemo appointments for six months,” explained Kramberg. Small gestures of care can make a huge difference.
Under the theme United by Unique, PinkDrive, a non-profit organisation with support from Vuma and other organisations visited the people of Soweto, Slovoville providing essential services to the residents of the community. Vuma also lent a hand by covering some of the medical costs associated with providing these services.
Access to early detection and treatment is crucial, yet not everyone has equal opportunities.
“I was fortunate to have medical aid, which allowed me to consult three doctors instead of just one. As patients, it’s our right to choose doctors we feel comfortable with. Unfortunately, that’s not a reality for many South Africans, who are forced to choose between basic needs and treatment. After my personal journey, I joined a programme called Campaigning for Cancer, which advocates for all South Africans under public healthcare. The programme provides support to patients and helps them understand medical jargon. Together with PinkDrive, we guide patients through the entire process,” says Kramberg. “PinkDrive saved my life and made it possible for me to give birth to my daughter—my miracle baby.” She added.
Come together
We can all do our part to keep cancer away from our doorsteps by adopting other healthy behaviours, like getting 7-9 hours of sleep, managing stress, moderating alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.
For those who have triumphed, Kramberg has one piece of advice: ‘When you get to the other side, stand on a roof and scream, ‘Yeah, I made it.