Hope shines at Wings of Hope fundraiser

GEORGE NEWS - The annual Wings of Hope fashion show fundraiser proved that, for most, cancer does not have the last say, but can be defeated.

For some it can even be the discovery of a new, confident self that was hidden inside for too many years.

A group of cancer survivors bravely took to the catwalk at the MOTH Hall on Saturday 17 May, on the elbows of a few George Fire Brigade firefighters who, like the models, demonstrated quite an aptitude for entertaining.

The rapport between these models and firefighters was excellent. Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff was first in line as accompanist for a very funny cancer survivor, Michael de Stadler, dressed as a clown.

Each model's song choices sounded out triumph, and they endeared their audience with a delightful show that brought light and laughter to everyone's hearts.

Sternsdorff was also the guest speaker, and in a touching message drew a correlation between the firefighters' task of quenching a fire and the cancer patient's fight against their illness - from the uncertainty of what is awaiting them when receiving a call-out to working out a plan to fight 'the monster'.

Information about that monster has to be collected and an action plan to fight it must be worked out. "Do we remove the fuel that feeds it, do we attack it directly, or simply stop it from spreading? Do we smother it or leave it to burn? Each technique has its own pros and cons we have to consider."

And just as firefighters fight in a team, the cancer patient is not alone, but has support from various fronts, including volunteer organisations such as Wings of Hope.

Sternsdorff, whose own father had cancer, said to never lose hope. "Keep supporting one another. Together we can face any challenge that comes our way."

Ingrid Watkins of Wings of Hope, the competition's organiser.

Living life to the full after cancer

Survivor Linda Barnard said breast cancer changed her whole life in a positive way. Going through a double mastectomy, she emerged as a more confident, positive and empowered person. "I have learnt you should take care of yourself," she said.

She started doing things she never did before - gymming, running and taking up art.

George Fire Station's commander, Santa Sternsdorff.

Barnard said the cancer was discovered during a mammogram that a friend and colleague had booked for the both of them.

"I almost did not go because I had a very busy day at work - this shows you just how important it is to go for your regular mammogram."

The event was organised by Ingrid Watkins, the main driver behind Wings of Hope in George, and Janet Loopstra, Dawn de Beer, Ceri Shackleton and Nickey Kruger.

It was a true celebration of life and victory, and left one feeling uplifted and grateful.

For more information on the support that Wings of Hope offers, contact Watkins on 083 345 4764.

Linda Barnard is living life to the full after cancer.

Firefighters in action on the catwalk. In front is Garth Claassen and at the back, Richard Bruinders.

VIDEO: WATCH THE FUN AS SURVIVORS AND FIREFIGHTERS TAKE TO THE CATWALK

Each cancer survivor had a chance to speak in short about their journey with cancer. Here is what they had to say:

Sandy Nel: "Cancer was a very humbling experience. I was the sort of person who thought I was really invincible. When this hit me, I was like a blubbering idiot. The doctors actually thought I was a mental case and it took another doctor who knows me to convince them otherwise. My sails were knocked out, but man, I am back." Photos: Alida de Beer

Michael de Stadler was on the catwalk to the beat of 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' and 'Don't Bring Me Down', symbolic of his triumph over leukaemia. He is now a Wings of Hope volunteer. He said: "When you have it [leukaemia], you walk from your house to the front gate and back and you have to sit down and rest. When I could do those '500 miles' again, it was such a blessing, and then I realised, that is what Wings of Hope is about. We will be there for you to walk those 500 miles again."

Firefighter Richard Bruinders, here accompanying Janet Loopstra, who is 18 months cancer-free, highlighted the support from Wings of Hope and the medical team who treated her. "I have learnt to appreciate everything and everybody. Miss all the negatives, focus on all the positives. Soak up all the sunrises and sunsets. Life is short, so make the most of it. Drink the wine and wear the pink shoes."

Rugbyplayer Amy-Kay Klaasen, six months clean from cancer. She said a cancer diagnosis does not mean your life is over. "Your life is only beginning. It is what you make of it. I think it is God who has given us [survivors] a new life and prosperity for our journey forward."