You have cancer. A phrase that can single-handedly change everything in an instant.
René de Wet (51), secretary at Camps Bay Primary School, got the unfortunate news that she has HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in September this year.
HER2-positive (HER2+) is a fast-growing breast cancer that may affect people with invasive breast cancer.
“I was diagnosed on Friday 26 September. I was distraught. You never think that it could happen to you,” explained De Wet.
Her treatment had to begin immediately. She started chemotherapy on Wednesday 15 October and will undergo eight rounds, every 21 days, followed by surgery and radiation.
But without medical aid, the financial strain is overwhelming, and so is the emotional shock of suddenly becoming a cancer fighter.
But De Wet is not facing this battle alone the community is standing firmly behind her.
De Wet tells People’s Post that a close friend started a crowdfunding campaign hoping to raise R180 000.
Within a few days they managed to reach a few thousands.
Currently with the help of learners, parents, private donors and the broader public, they have exceeded the target and reached R192 000.
De Wet explains that she is overwhelmed by the outpour of love and support from everyone.
“I have been at the school for 11 years. When you’re a school secretary you do more than just answering phones, you are a safe space when kids go through a difficult time.
“At Camps Bay schools we are like a little village. When the kids heard, the crowdfunding campaign just went viral. I am still in shock and blown away.”
De Wet says a few years ago she walked this journey supporting her dad when he was diagnosed with cancer.
She says knowing she isn’t facing this journey alone gives her the courage to fight.
“Last month, the high school learners came to the primary school and I received about 80 cards. The outpour of love just touched me. Kids wrote about memories they have at primary school. It was an incredible heart-wrenching moment.”
She expresses her gratitude to everyone for their support.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind and generous and for checking in on me all the time. Even if I can’t always respond to the messages, just know that I am genuinely grateful and keep praying.”
She encourages people to continue to donate.
“I am not sure the exact amount of the medical bills. I am receiving treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital. We are beyond the target now. Which is fantastic because there’ll be continued expenses. There are people that I don’t even know who have contributed, it’s incredible.”
Laura Perry, De Wet’s close friend, says she started the crowdfunding campaign, emphasising that money should be the last thing on De Wet’s mind.
“She is such an amazing light and gives so much love and support to everyone around her. When you hear a close friend diagnosed that they have a scary illness you can’t help but feel useless. I wanted to think of a concrete way that I could help her and that her community could rally around her and share some of the love that she has shared with all of us”
She added that they did not expect the overwhelming response.
“It’s been so amazing that the entire Camps Bay community has rallied around her.”
To support the campaign visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/loving-ren
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