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GEORGE NEWS - The stories of a few George women who have survived cancer, touched the hearts of guests at a fashion show held at Nostalgie Café in aid of Wings of Hope Cancer Support on Friday 7 July.
In between modelling lovely clothing from Anna's Boutique, each of the women had the opportunity to briefly share their journey with cancer.
They were not alone in playing model in aid of a good cause - a few SWD Eagle rugby players, including captain Janneman Stander and manager Anton Moolman, put their rugby shoes aside for a while to escort the ladies on the ramp.
The main message shining through each of the women's stories was that there is hope after a cancer diagnosis and that life can and should be lived to the full and with joy and gratitude.
Caeana Joshua said she was 16 weeks pregnant with her daughter Avah when she was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was an extremely trying time as she underwent chemotherapy while pregnant.
Her pregnancy reached full term and it was a moment of immense relief and gratitude when Avah arrived - a healthy baby of 3,2kg. Caeana received radiation treatment after the birth and is healthy now. "What kept me going through all this was prayer," she said.
All proceeds of the event went to Wings of Hope.
Alta du Plessis, now five months free from cancer after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year in November, said her cancer was picked up through a regular mammogram. "It was a huge shock when they found a small lump in one breast. It was removed during surgery, but because it was so small, chemotherapy was not necessary. I received 16 radiation therapy sessions which really was a walk in the park.
"My message is, go for your regular mammogram. A lump in the breast can only be felt once it is 2cm. Mine was 1,5cm and the mammogram picked it up."
Guests enjoyed tea and finger treats and a few lucky raffle winners walked away with bottles of wine.
The grand prize in the raffle, a weekend away for two at the Wilderness Boutique Hotel, was won by Ceri Shackleton of Something Special.
PHOTO GALLERY: Wings of Hope fundraiser with Eagles rugby players
All proceeds of the event went to Wings of Hope.
Their local organiser and volunteer, Ingrid Watkins, who is also a cancer survivor, said they provide emotional and practical support in various ways, including a national WhatsApp support group where people can talk to and encourage one another.
Great friendships are formed through this contact group. For more information, contact Watkins on 083 345 4764.
SWD Eagles with visitor outside Nostalgie Café.
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