Meet the Cancervivers

Elfrieda, an administrative manager from Vredenburg, embodies resilience as a cancer survivor and fervent advocate for cancer awareness. Conquering two battles with cancer, she found her voice and purpose when she joined Cancervive in 2019, using the platform to inspire others and effect change. Elfrieda treasures family, respect, and balance, advocating for those in need and standing up for justice.

Cheryl was born in Cape Town and is living in Somerset West. She is a sourcerer sourcing and designing goods for diverse clients. Cheryl is proud of her patented EGO Easy Gas bottle opener and also supports Around The Bends, a motorcycle touring company. Her passions include her family, biking, and friendships, often combining these joys by riding with loved ones. Inspired by her daughter’s involvement with Revlon/Journey of Hope, she joined Cancervive to make a difference. This journey has been humbling, fun, and emotionally challenging, especially given her personal experiences with cancer’s impact on loved ones.

Lorraine was born in Bellville, Cape Town, where she grew up and worked. She’s been married for 42 years, living with her husband on their farm in Bredasdorp, where she’s a third-generation farmer. She cherishes time with her loved ones, enjoys camping and travel, and is a passionate people person. Lorraine is a breast cancer survivor and joined Cancervive in 2013. She finds inspiration in the group’s camaraderie and shared purpose.

Belinda Botha bravely faced her breast cancer diagnosis in 2004 with determination. After detecting a lump, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her journey inspired her to join Cancervive in 2017, where she passionately educates others about cancer. Belinda’s experience taught her the importance of self-awareness and supporting others through their unique journeys.

Bernice is an HR professional, teacher, facilitator, and pastor from Soweto. She is passionate about making a difference in her community and beyond. Inspired by the courage of cancer survivors, Bernice supports Cancervive to raise awareness and to spread the word that early detection can save lives. She finds strength in the survivors’ boldness and will to live.

Carla currently calls Klerksdorp home. As an end-of-life facilitator her passions include supporting cancer patients and making a positive impact. A devoted Christian, she cherishes time with her grandson and finds joy in nature, trees, and wildlife. Carla is a dedicated Cancervive supporter, inspired by its mission and committed to making a difference in peoples’ lives.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Carmen Martens is a dedicated educator at Pretoria Boys High School with a career spanning teaching and lecturing at TUKS. Beyond the classroom, Carmen finds joy in writing poetry and expressing herself through drawing and painting. Her deep-rooted faith and close-knit family sustain her, particularly after losing her brother to glioblastoma in 2017 and supporting her sister through multiple surgeries for a benign meningioma. Carmen is committed to raising awareness for these cancers and finds solace in connecting with fellow cancer survivors through her involvement with Cancervive.

Chelton, a senior manager and lover of the outdoors, became a dedicated supporter of Cancervive to combat cancer. Motivated by the resilience of cancer fighters, he strives to provide empathy, encouragement, and resources for a meaningful impact. Through his involvement, Chelton gains profound insight into the struggles of those touched by cancer and recognizes the invaluable role of supportive communities.

Dirk is the Head of Market Development for Africa at Absa Vehicle Finance. A sports enthusiast and traveler, Dirk is a survivor of Stage 4 follicular lymphoma and bone marrow cancer. After multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant, he joined Cancervive inspired by Janie du Plessis’ story. Dirk shares his journey to raise awareness and support others.

Frieda, a cancer survivor and entrepreneur, co-founded Cancervive to raise awareness about “Shy Cancers”. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer at 49, Frieda underwent treatment while opening a health food business and learning to ride a motorcycle. She headed Journey of Hope for 3 years, focusing on Breast Cancer Awareness, before joining Cancervive as a founder member and CEO.

Jackie is currently residing in Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort. With 30 years of experience in car and bike sales, she is an administrator at Bikers Warehouse, living her passion. A devoted mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jackie enjoys motorcycle rides, crafts, photography, and gardening. She has been a proud Cancervive supporter for five years, driven by personal losses and a desire to make a difference.

Kele is a resilient cancer survivor, a dedicated mother and a passionate advocate for community programmes. Born in Marble Hall, Mpumalanga, she is a Candidate Attorney at KR Inc and mentors four matriculants. Kele loves cycling, photography, public speaking, and poetry. She joined Cancervive in 2016, finding a platform to help others and overcome her own struggles with cancer.

Leandri Meiring-Botha, a Capetonian is an Examiner of Motor Vehicles with a passion for woodworking. After her mother’s cancer diagnosis, Leandri found purpose in supporting Cancervive, hoping to help others navigate similar challenges. Through her involvement, she has learned patience and formed meaningful friendships within the Cancervive community.

Lebo, an Asset Finance Specialist from Pretoria, is a passionate community advocate and breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 28, she underwent treatment and celebrates five years of cancer-free living. Joining Cancervive, Lebo found a supportive family and purpose, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting early detection, dispelling myths and inspiring hope and love in communities.

Miranda from Wattville near Benoni, is a dedicated volunteer and involved with the South African Girl Guides. She was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer at age 10. Miranda overcame fear, finding freedom and strength through Cancervive. Miranda now embraces her scars with gratitude, sharing her story to raise awareness and promote early detection.

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Nolukhanyi is passionate about community projects, especially supporting young girls in challenging situations and addressing unemployment in her township. Diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic, her journey with cancer was transformative, supported by faith and family. Inspired by the impactful work of the Cancervive community, she now advocates for cancer awareness, embracing each day with gratitude and empathy.

Ronet, an office administrator and debtors clerk, embodies resilience as a breast cancer survivor and compassionate individual. Originally from Klerksdorp, now residing in Centurion, she cherishes positivity, family bonds, and the beauty of nature. With two victories over breast cancer, Ronet, now six years in remission, channels her passion into supporting others on their journeys, discovering profound purpose in life’s challenges.

Sandile Nkosi found purpose in educating others about cancer awareness after losing his mother to the disease. His commitment to Cancervive stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of early detection to save lives. Through his efforts, Sandile aims to educate not only his community but also audiences beyond, emphasising the critical importance of awareness and timely intervention in combating cancer.

Thami, an admin clerk hailing from Soweto, embodies curiosity and adventure, constantly seeking new knowledge and exploring South Africa’s diverse landscapes. Joining Cancervive, he passionately shares his journey to raise cancer awareness, finding solace in supporting others and gaining confidence through sharing experiences. His dedication to offering support to those in need reflects his compassionate spirit and commitment to making a difference.

As a stage 4 breast cancer survivor, Victoria, a resilient construction business owner from Daveyton, emanates a profound sense of purpose in aiding others. Having triumphed over chemotherapy and radiation, she now fervently advocates hope and awareness. Through Cancervive, Victoria finds solace, sisterhood, and a potent platform to empower fellow survivors. Her narrative ignites courage, guiding others through their cancer odyssey with enduring strength and resilience.

Wilma Maritz a resilient farmer from Vryburg, raised near Tosca, Northwest, is passionate about people and cultures. A stage 3 breast cancer survivor, she underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Wilma is dedicated to raising awareness for early detection and inspiring others with her story of hope and resilience, proving that cancer is just a chapter, not the whole story.