Finding Purpose in Battling Cancer

For me the battle against cancer has been a journey that began in a place of darkness and sorrow.

Watching my sister bravely fight the sickness was a heart-wrenching experience that left me feeling helpless and devastated.

The diagnosis itself came as a shock for my family. In this manner, I have also come to understand what the family of the late president Hage Geingob must have gone through.

We watched my sister endure the gruelling treatments, the physical pain, and the emotional toll of battling a relentless disease. Yet, as the illness progressed, so did our sense of helplessness, pain, and then sorrow.

We finally lost her.

It was the pain itself that allowed me to find my purpose.

Through her sickness, I saw my sister’s courage and resilience. During those days it did not come to me that this would become my inspiration.

When she died, I knew I had to honour her memory by helping others who were facing the same battle.

The idea of creating a foundation dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families emerged, and this of its own became a source of hope for my family and myself – even as we were in mourning.

It became my mission to transform our shared grief into a force for good.

Every child I visited at the hospital, every family I comforted, was a reminder of my sister’s spirit. The hospital rooms, often filled with uncertainty and fear, also carried within their walls stories of bravery and resilience.

The more I embraced the children, those brave souls battling a monster with smiles, the more determined I became to endure to the very end within the crucible of our battle with cancer.

It has not been easy. Money has not been coming that fast.

Most of our initiatives had to be self-funded. But the team around me has always been my assurance.

In the years since my sister’s death, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the impact of my foundation, however small it may be.

I’ve seen the smiles on children’s faces as they receive the support they need, whether it’s through financial assistance for treatment or simply a comforting presence in tough times.

I’ve heard the gratitude from families who have found solace in knowing they are not alone in their struggle. These moments of connection and support have been profoundly moving, serving as a constant reminder of my sister’s legacy.

The Zuzu Holding Hands Cancer Foundation has become more than an organisation; it is a journey of healing and hope.

And for everyone who is fighting cancer in many ways, either as a patient or someone with a relative suffering the disease, we can only make it to the next day if we look beyond our limits and fears.

One of the most powerful aspects of the cancer journey is to witness the resilience and strength of the children and families we support.

Their courage in the face of such a daunting illness is truly inspiring.

They remind me daily that even in the toughest battles, there is hope and a reason to keep fighting. Their stories of survival and perseverance are a testament to the importance of the work we do and the difference it can make.

Every day, I carry my sister’s spirit with me, knowing that her memory lives on through the lives we touch and the love we share.

Cancer is a formidable adversary, but it is also a catalyst for change and unity. It brings out the best in people, encouraging kindness, generosity and solidarity.

In honouring my sister’s memory, we have not only kept her spirit alive, but also created a lasting impact on the lives of many.

The foundation stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of a brighter, healthier future.

– Rossina Kalimba is the founder of Zuzu Holding Hands Cancer Foundation.