UKZN Alumnus Hosts Gala Dinner to Raise Funds for Cancer Research

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UKZN alumnus and Mrs SA 2022 finalist, Mrs Shan Fourie recently hosted a fundraising gala dinner for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Fourie studied Marketing and Psychology on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus. She said, ‘Being at UKZN prepared me for my career and gave me bravery to pursue my dreams.’

The event was held at The Pencil Club in uMhlanga, where an auction hosted by Mr John Rootman and MC and East Coast Radio, DJ Jane-Linley Thomas, raised a large sum of money for CANSA.

‘I have been involved in fundraising and events for a long time, usually related to the NPOs I am an official ambassador for, including the SA Bone Marrow Registry and The Rise Up and Red movements, however as part of my Mrs South Africa journey, we were tasked with raising funds for one of the official Mrs SA charity organisations. CANSA was an easy choice for me and close to my heart as I have lost loved ones to cancer and have friends fighting the disease,’ said Fourie.

CANSA enables research with regards to lowering its risk, educating the public regarding symptoms, screening and risk reduction, and providing care and support to all people affected by the disease.

‘Cancer treatment is incredibly expensive, and according to 2018 stats, only 16.5% of the South African population is on medical aid. This leaves a massive part of our population without the ability to afford the medication they need to fight this awful disease, which is an incredibly unfair and social injustice. CANSA helps those who can’t afford the medication they deserve. Our aim is to ensure that cancer survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone. We are here to support them through every step of their cancer journey,’ added Fourie.

Offering advice to cancer patients, she said, ‘You can do this. Life has many hurdles and your story is one that will show you just how strong you are. Lean on your family and friends but never ever stop believing that you will beat this. You are stronger than you think.

‘We have the power to make a great difference when we come together. If just 1 000 people decided to set a debit order of only R100 into a cause they believed in every month, that’s R100 000! We raised just under R100 000 which I am grateful for, but that doesn’t even cover the treatment of one child for one year. My work here is not done and I will continue to do more,’ said Fourie.

She thanked her sponsors The Pencil Club, Huizemark Ballito, The Window Boutique, Nala Photography, Creative Replay, and many others.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photograph: Nala Photography