As a result of a freak ladder accident, a Durbanville father survived aggressive pancreatic cancer in 2024, but now he is back waging another bout against the disease.
Christiaan Britz (62), a clinical psychologist who runs the Hypnosis Wellness Centre in Durbanville with his wife, Elsie, was diagnosed with cancer after falling from a ladder and sustaining severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures, a concussion and injuries to his ribs, shoulder, pelvis and other bones.
The accident that changed everything
On 10 June 2024, what began as an ordinary day turned into a life-threatening emergency for the Britz family. His daughter Joline Gardiner found him lying on the floor, barely able to move. Fearing the worst, she rushed him to hospital while praying for his survival.
“The doctors treated his injuries,” other daughter Christie Britz said, “but scans revealed something completely unexpected — a tumour on his pancreas. The discovery came as a shock to our family, but doctors said if the accident had not occurred, the cancer may have gone undetected until it was far more advanced.”
Fighting pancreatic cancer
“Our dad was diagnosed with stage-2 pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat. Determined to give him the best chance possible, we began contacting hospitals across South Africa in search of the right specialist. We eventually connected with Dr Stefan Hofmeyr, who placed him on an aggressive treatment plan designed to shrink the tumour before surgery.
“Over the months that followed our dad endured long chemotherapy sessions, along with radiation treatment. Despite the physical toll he continued to fight with determination.”
In January last year he underwent a complex 11 hours of surgery to remove the tumour. For his family, the hours felt endless. When doctors finally emerged with the results they delivered the words the family had been desperately hoping for: “All clear. No cancer.”
“The moment was one of overwhelming relief, a second chance with our dad, we believed, had been given to us,” Britz said.
He then continued with additional treatment as a precaution, and by June last year doctors confirmed there was still no sign of cancer.
Cancer returns
However, in March this year the family received devastating news. The cancer had returned aggressively and spread to his liver, a major artery and other surrounding areas, making treatment more complex and urgent.
“The news felt like reliving the nightmare all over again,” Britz said. “He is doing his best to stay strong and hopeful. Emotionally, it has been a very stressful and overwhelming time for all of us, but he has also been deeply moved by the incredible support from friends, family and even strangers.”
A race against time
“Our dad has not yet been able to begin his next round of treatment,” said Britz. “He will be able to start only once we have raised enough funds for the first round of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“We are hoping this will happen soon, and his doctors are also trying to arrange discounts with the relevant institutions. The urgency is clear, without timely treatment, his condition could continue to worsen.”
The sisters have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise R800 000 to help cover urgently needed chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment that is not fully covered by medical aid.
“The costs are enormous,” Britz pointed out, “blood tests alone costs R28 000, R150 000 for the first dosage of immunotherapy and the chemo treatment more than R91 000.
“He recently went for a biopsy and will go for further blood tests on Monday 13 April for immunotherapy.”
Her father is described by his family as the heart of their home – a devoted husband, loving father and a man whose strength has held the family together through difficult times.
“My dad means everything to our family and so much to the people around him,” said Britz. “He is a deeply caring person who has always shown up for others with generosity, strength and kindness.
“Beyond his role as a father, he has helped many people through hypnotherapy, supporting those struggling with addiction, helping establish rehabilitation centres and guiding others through deep personal trauma.
“He has made a real difference in many lives, and in his community he is known as someone who gives of himself wholeheartedly.”
Holding onto hope
For her family, the emotional toll has been immense, Britz said.
“The most difficult part of this journey has been trying to stay hopeful and positive through so much uncertainty, while holding onto faith that he can be healed again.”
Funds raised through the campaign will help cover:
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments;
- Specialist consultations and medical scans;
- Blood tests and monitoring;
- Medication, pain management and supportive care.
To date a total of R137 192 has been raised through the campaign, 17% of the R800 000 needed.
For the Britz family, every contribution represented another chance for father Chris to continue his fight.
“We are deeply grateful for every prayer, donation, kind word and act of support,” his daughter said. “Your generosity has given our family hope in one of the hardest seasons of our lives.”
“If you cannot donate, please consider sharing our story or keeping our family in your prayers.”
- To support Christiaan Britz’s campaign, visit Stand With Britz Family: Help Chris Fight Cancer
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