My journey began in early July 2017 when I discovered a swelling in my left breast. By July 26th, I was diagnosed with Stage 1A Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in both breasts. Two weeks later I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with immediate nipple-sparing reconstruction. The fear and shock of hearing, ‘you have breast cancer,’ will always stay with me.

I’ve always led a healthy lifestyle, coming from an elite athlete background since the age of 14. Cancer does not discriminate. I’m forever grateful to my incredible surgeons and the remarkable recovery I made, thanks to my fitness and what being an elite athlete taught me: determination, discipline, and the drive never to let cancer define me. I was incredibly fortunate not to need chemotherapy or radiation. My breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive with a very high estrogen assay, so my treatment involves taking Tamoxifen for 10 years. I’ve had minimal side effects, likely due to my exercise regimen and healthy lifestyle.
My amazing recovery inspired me to get involved in the cancer world. Through my surgeon, I was introduced to oncology patient navigation, which has since become my passion.

Patient navigation provides individualized assistance to cancer patients and their families, helping them overcome the many barriers faced on the cancer journey. This includes support, guidance, education, information, evidence-based resources, counseling, and referral pathways from pre-diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and end of life.

I am proud to be a certified oncology patient navigator through George Washington University, USA, and a member of AONN (Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators). I’ve been privileged to train with Professor Carol-Ann Benn, a world-renowned breast cancer surgeon, who continues to mentor me. I spent four years with her at Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Care Centre. Currently, I serve as head navigator at Helen Joseph Breast Clinic under the new consultant. I hope to finally write my international navigation certification in the USA later this year, after delays due to COVID-19 and a syllabus upgrade.

Ii am also honored to be a brand ambassador, oncology patient navigator, and cancer exercise advisor for the Filotimo Cancer Project. One of the most exciting opportunities has been through Campaigning for Cancer. We received funding from the Lung Ambition Alliance in the USA to develop training for patient navigators in South Africa, starting with lung cancer in public and private sectors, and hopefully breast cancer in the future.

I am not thankful for cancer, but I am immensely grateful for what cancer has taught me. It has opened many doors, created new opportunities, ignited a new career and passion, and introduced me to amazing people along the way. It has been a journey filled with hard work, determination, and some tears, but also incredible rewards. I’ve found my happy place and am profoundly thankful and grateful.