Cape Town - Regency-era ball ball gowns, well-to-do hairstyles and classical music created a sense of grandeur and opulence at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town on Saturday, during an event in aid of the Cancer Association of SA (Cansa).
The Cuppa for Cansa Bridgerton-themed high tea was held to raise funds for Cansa care and support programmes. Close to 200 people, the majority of whom were still battling cancer or were supporting a loved one through their journey, were present.
Manenberg resident Myra America joined Cansa as a volunteer following her diagnosis in 2015, and offers oneon-one and family counselling in Hanover Park, Manenberg and Heideveld.
In May, America found out her cancer had returned after seven years.
“At first I was very depressed. I’d tell people that they are not alone but now that it was happening to me, I felt alone.
“But with the family bond that we have with Cansa, they are still very supportive. My social worker visits me once or twice a week and takes me out because she doesn’t want me to be alone at home,” America said.
Originally from Malawi, mother of two Juliet Tengani, 29, now living in Somerset West, was diagnosed in June 2021.
“It was tough for me and painful for my kids and my mom. In our family, no one had cancer; I was the first.”
Tengani said she was not able to receive treatment at Tygerberg Hospital as she did not have the required documents. She would later receive treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital.
After undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy and resting for a month, she commenced with radiation therapy.
“I just want to encourage everyone still facing these challenges – don’t lose hope. Believe in God.”
The event included an auction and personal stories of support, resilience and overcoming adversity were shared.
Cansa social worker Abeeda Steenkamp said: “The money raised will go back into the community for much-needed services, nappies, wheelchairs, tele-counselling – a range of services.”
Jobyga Mohamed from Walmer Estate, who is battling lung cancer, celebrated her 65th birthday at the event.
