When Merlin Osborne was diagnosed, she believed nothing could prepare her for what she was about to experience. But then she found support on water, joining Africa’s first breast cancer survivor dragon boating team. After Jade Wyngaardt found a lump in her breast, she also discovered she was pregnant with twins. She braved cancer treatment throughout her pregnancy, as well as a mastectomy that left her with one breast to feed two children. Today, her kids are happy and healthy.
To reduce the waiting time for patients in need of a mastectomy, Dr Liana Roodt assembled a crew of surgeons and nurses who work overtime to offer free, life-saving surgery to people with breast cancer. Tamar Thorn is a tattoo artist helping mastectomy patients regain control and pride of their body by inking nipple tattoos for free. And for those who have reconstructive surgery, Nneile Nkholise is using 3D printing to drastically reduce the cost of breast implants.
On National Mammography Day, we urge people to have breast cancer screenings as early as possible. Whatever the outcome, we are surrounded by people who have walked this path before. South Africans are filled with the strength to keep fighting, and the resourcefulness, courage, and empathy to support those affected by breast cancer.
Beautiful News, a positive news content platform created by Ginkgo Agency and made possible by Mercedes-Benz South Africa, is dedicated to delivering stories that celebrate the resilience and courage of South Africans, and motivate people to stand alongside each other in times of need.
Talysa Rudah, Deputy Content Director for Beautiful News, comments: “By sharing stories that reflect the journeys of different people, an opportunity is created for a nation to be connected and empowered.”
To see or submit a story to Beautiful News, visit www.beautifulnews.co.za, email az.oc.swenlufituaeb@olleh or join the conversation with #BeautifulNews.
For further information, contact: +27 (0) 21 419 3189.
We are a vibrant, innovative, resourceful and warm-hearted people. A truth we often overlook. Beautiful News celebrates the extraordinary fabric of human nature that binds our nation by releasing one positive story every day at 4:14pm – the moment in time Nelson Mandela walked out of prison. Beautiful News’ founder, photographer and filmmaker Adrian Steirn, previously created the 21 Icons series, which profiled the iconic individuals who led the nation’s journey to democracy and helped to unite its communities. Beautiful News is made possible by Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
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