A Portland church held a thanksgiving service in honour of those who have survived cancer and their carers.
Sharon Assembly of God on Sunday October 30 paid tribute to those battling the disease.
It is a run up event for a team from the church to participate in the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) Relay for Life Mitchell’s Plain, an annual memorial night fund-raiser, which will take place on Friday March 3.
During the month of October members had pledged money to host the breakfast on Sunday.
Portland resident Susan Spanneberg, one of three women who hosted the service, said the event has grown and that members who had survived cancer were now supporting them.
She said over the years they have had up to 15 cancer survivors and that they would continue to pray for good health.
The service included prayer, lighting candles for loved ones and messages of hope and encouragement were shared.
Guests included representatives from all faith groups and speakers from various support services for adults and children living with cancer.
Joslyn Julies, from the Sunflower Kids Support Group, spoke about childhood cancers; Felicity Gideon, whose dad died of breast cancer said it was her shock for their family to have witnessed this rarity; Saadiqa Abrahams, Relay for Life Mitchell’s Plain executive chairwoman, told of the group’s work to create awareness and support those affected by cancer.
Breast cancer survivor Christine Valentine, a member of the church’s support committee, said: “We are celebrating those who have survived cancer and standing with those battling cancer. It’s an emotional experience that needs all kinds of support from others.”
To donate and for more information call Ms Spanneberg on 072 871 4887.
