Dignity in every Drop.
For thousands of South African women, a breast cancer diagnosis comes with long waiting lists and too few resources. At Project Flamingo, we're changing that, one diagnosis, one surgery, one moment of dignity at a time.
This October, Fair Cape Dairies are proudly supporting this mission. Every bottle sold helps fund the work Project Flamingo does, because dignity should never be a luxury.
Sarah Ngantweni
Sarah Ngantweni is from East London, and she is an oncology social worker. She was a Project Flamingo patient and shares her journey.
Sarah's Journey
Can you share a little about yourself and your life before your diagnosis?
I was someone who worked, a co-founder of an NPO and busy single mom who dedicated herself to raising her kids. I am the first-born looking after my siblings and my mother. I don't drink nor smoke, I went to church and attended empowering events.
How did you find out you had breast cancer, and what was that moment like? What did you feel in that moment?
I had a fluid like substance coming out from my breast, then I went to clinic where I was referred to Frere Hospital. They then detected the breast cancer. It was a traumatic experience and scary. I though that I will die soon but I had to undergo many tests to I can understand it and what the treatment entails.
What role did Project Flamingo play in your journey?
Project Flamingo did my mastectomy, the doctors and nurses were so helpful in making sure that we are safe and comfortable. Also Sam, Project Flamingo's patient support volunteer who has her own NGO too, the Cancer Connection, played a major role in making sure that the procedures does not scare us. She was there to answer all our questions we had in our minds. She supported emotionally and physically, we got knitted knockers and toiletries from her.
What gave you strength or hope during treatment?
My family supported me and the people around me. Sam played a major role to me also seeing other cancer survivors gave courage that I can do it with the help from God.
What message would you like to share with other women facing breast cancer?
I would like to say they must take it easy ,step by step. The journey is not easy,to have faith that one day you will overcome the dreadfully disease Cancer. Cancer put fear to us but what we suppose to overcome is fear then deal with Cancer. They have to do all the things that is helping them eventually they will be healed. Family support is vital and knowing that there are people who care about you.
How has this impacted your career as a social worker?
The journey has changed me by taking this initiative of helping people with cancer. The negative experience I had and the treatment I got from Healthcare facilities, has made more involved in advocating for cancer patients and making sure they get the best support care they deserve.
Also the feeling of wanting to understand about my illness and the treatment options have made realized that there are patients lIke me that are in need of this information.
Also, cancer need to be fought by all of us the fears, anxiety, depression we go through. So we need one another. iIt is better when you go through it to motivate and support patients and clarifying some procedures to be done to the patients as you have overcome fear and your healing takes place while you empower others.
Deleze van der Walt
Deleze is from Oudtshoorn, in the Southern Cape.
Deleze's Journey
Can you share a little about yourself and your life before your diagnosis?
I am 56 years old, married to my high school sweetheart and a mother to two young adults. I had placed my career on hold to raise our children and recently returned to working full-time in a new field, when I was diagnosed.
How did you find out you had breast cancer, and what was that moment like?
Following my mother’s advice, I had done breast self-examination since my teenage years – diligently during the second week of my monthly cycle. During perimenopause I realised that I had to find a new routine and chose the 5th of each month (my birthday) to self-check. Due to the holidays I forgot to do so in January 2024. On Sunday, 21 January, I was in the shower when I realised that I had slipped up. I immediately felt the lump in my right breast - I definitely hadn’t felt it six weeks prior. I saw my GP the next day and she arranged to move my mammogram, which had already been scheduled for February, up to later that same week. A lump of 1.5cm was detected, a biopsy followed and a week later it was confirmed to be HER2+, Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma.
Having closely supported and eventually losing a very close friend to another form of cancer (multiple myeloma) just two years prior to my diagnosis, prepared me for the difficult road ahead. I had to constantly remind myself, however, that my outcome could be different from hers.
What was your treatment journey like, what did you experience going through it?
I had none of the recognised risk factors: no history of cancer in the family, non-smoker, I had extensively breastfed my children and followed a healthy lifestyle. It was totally unexpected. It took me months of having to remind myself constantly that this is true. I did not feel ill at all, and it was difficult to accept that I had to undergo treatment that would make me “ill” while I felt so healthy, but I had to do so to save my life. In my case there was no time to waste to ponder the reality, I had to make peace as I went along. Not being able to predict the process and especially the outcome was my biggest challenge. With a Type A personality, having to submit myself to all the uncertainty, accept disappointments and adjustments throughout the process, was really difficult for me. Blood counts regularly being too low to receive treatment, felt like failing an exam for the first time in my life!
Having no private medical aid cover, I was fortunate to receive the best possible care at both our local hospital as well as George Regional Hospital. I elected to first undergo chemotherapy as the tumour had doubled in size within four weeks and I was worried about it spreading to other parts of my body. The option of (privately funded) immunotherapy was also made available to me, with the associated much better prognosis (being HER2+) … I am eternally grateful for this! Approximately six months later, after the tumour had shrunk significantly, a lumpectomy was performed. I subsequently also underwent 19 sessions of radiotherapy at Groote Schuur Hospital at the end of 2024. In February of this year, I completed my treatment receiving the 10th dose of immunotherapy. It has subsequently been indicated that no disease is detected any longer.
What gave you strength or hope during treatment?
My family and friends were extremely supportive during my diagnosis and treatment. The medical staff were wonderful: not only in terms of their expertise and careful planning and execution of my treatment, but also the empathy, care and humour with which I was treated throughout. I met wonderful people and am humbled by the kindness extended towards me. The different volunteer organisations involved in the treatment and support of cancer patients and their families, also had a huge impact on my journey. Above all, my belief in the grace of God carried me through the darkest times and helped me focus on gratitude along the way.
What message would you like to share with other women facing breast cancer?
Please do your breast self-examinations regularly, diligently and thoroughly. If you are unsure how, there are many informative videos available on the internet that you can follow along with. No one knows your breasts as well as you do! Please don’t pass the responsibly on to only having mammograms or your doctor examining your breasts during an annual check-up. If I had done this and waited just one month for my scheduled mammogram, my treatment options would have been far more limited, and the outcome would likely have been very different.
Anything else you want to share.
Patients react differently to a cancer diagnosis, and so do other people upon hearing about your diagnosis. Don’t take this personally. Some people have experienced a cancer diagnosis themselves or that of someone close to them, and this situation might stir up emotions that they would rather avoid. Others might simply not have the emotional maturity to handle this information (or to handle you!). Don’t be hurt by this. Focus on those who show up for you and accept their support with grace.
Jacqueline Nqona
Jacqueline is from Gonubie, East London.
Jacqueline's Journey
Can you share a little about yourself and your life before your diagnosis?
My husband and I are leading a ministry called Hope Prison Ministry in the Eastern Cape (headquarters in Cape Town) so before my diagnosis we were busy with our programs in prison.
How did you find out you had breast cancer, and what was that moment like?
Since I was attending gym in 2024, at first I felt the lumps on both breasts and because I was doing arm exercises at the time I thought it's something related to that. Later on I realized that my left breast has nothing but on my right breast I still feel the lump. It was towards the end of the year, I decided let me finish what we are doing before attending to it so that if there's something that needs more attention I can give it my undivided attention. And in December I went to visit my mom as I promised to spend the Christmas with her then only in January 2025 I went to the clinic and I was referred to a day hospital. And the doctor there referred me to Frere Hospital where they took biopsy and waited for results. I have to mention that at this stage the tumor was growing so both my husband and I knew that there's something wrong it's a matter of knowing what is it. When I was told that the tumor is cancerous, but because it was a rushed moment it was not a nice experience. The best thing that happened was talking to the social worker immediately after that and she was so kind and explained a lot of things. The first thing that came to my mind were y kids, how am I going to tell them and how is it going to affect them and cried just thinking about them. Vuvu the social worker calmed me down and offered her services if we will need it and that was helpful.
What was your treatment journey like, what did you experience going through it?
My treatment journey was not as hard as I expected, firstly the support I received from my friends and faith community is amazing. My family is based in Cape Town but I never lacked support at all. All my people came in numbers to support me in ways I didn't even imagined would happen. The burden became very easy for me, my husband and children. They were always people coming to check up on us, buying stuff for us and making sure we have everything we need. I heard alot of things about chemotherapy and as believer I prayed to God that I don't experience all the side effects. I experienced the nausea and vomiting throughout my chemotherapy treatment, it was really bad. I never thought that nausea is in levels until I experienced one, that was top level if I can say so. What was bearable though is knowing that it takes only 2-3 days then it's gone then I recover back my strength and appetite.
What role did Project Flamingo play in your journey?
At first I didn't know Project Flamingo, I saw it when the doctors wrote it on my file. I was shocked though to get a closer date for surgery because I had already prepared my mind to wait for months. When we were at CMH a lady called Sam came to visit us before the surgery and they brought us gifts. She introduced herself and her organization Cancer Connect in East London and being part of the Project Flamingo and she explained what the project is all about and we were so grateful to know that there are doctors and professionals that take time off their time and give to the community that needs their services. We felt blessed to be among those who were chosen to be part of this project and it explained a lot of things for us. Project Flamingo played a very big in my journey for fast forwarding the surgery and also making sure that I'm well taken good care of. I was worried about being in hospital as I don't like them but I had the best experience, looked after by the best doctors. Thank you Project Flamingo 🙏🏾.
What gave you strength or hope during treatment?
My faith carried e throughout my treatment, knowing that God is in control of my life and that I belong to Him gave me so much strength. I don't know what I would have done without God in my life.
First of all I would like to say it loudly that it is not a death sentence. It is detour in life that needs to take and if you accept and embrace it you will get back on your feet sooner than you think. You are stronger than cancer and you can beat it.
Angelita Davis
Angie is from Galvendale.
Angelita's Story
Can you share a little about yourself and your life before your diagnosis?
I am 48 years old and I have two boys aged 24 and 10. I lost my mother on the 12th of April 2025. What a bitter pill to swallow.
How did you find out you had breast cancer, and what was that moment like?
I had a lump in my breast and I went to doctor. I then got referred to Livingstone hospital in Gqeberha. My mother initially also had breast cancer. She survived and was cancer free. So, I knew there was that possibility that I had cancer. My results came and there was the cold truth: you have aggressive breast cancer. In that very moment I just accepted it, but the moment I got home tears just start to roll down my cheeks. Why is all this happening? I just lost my mom six weeks ago, I'm still still grieving and now I'm diagnosed with cancer. I started to pray and ask God to please help and heal me for the sake of my kids.
What was your treatment journey like, what did you experience going through it?
On the 19th of July I had a mastectomy and the surgery went well. It wasn't easy but im doing better everyday I sometimes feel so emotional. The chemo is now my biggest hurdle, I hate the side-effects of the chemo. I hate every moment of it, and I still have 5 rounds to go. So, I pray that this chemo can all come to and end.
What role did Project Flamingo play in your journey?
Project Flamingo, Make Room for Her, gave me so much hope. Those ladies were so amazing, many cancer survivors and listening to there stories has touch my heart in so many ways. Keep up the good work you guys deserve and Oscar.
What gave you strength or hope during treatment?
My mother was a strong woman and she rasied me to be strong. So this battle I'm facing now is all in honor of my late Mom. I just wish she was here by my side. To my family, friends, kids and work colleagues who support me and stood by me through it all, thank you from the bottom of my heart. A special thanks to my sister Nicole, she was there from the very start going with me to each and every hospital visit and nursed me after the operation. I love you my little, sis.
My final words to woman facing cancer: FIGHT LIKE A WARRIOR ❤️🩹
Nicole Tessendorf
Nicole is from Cape St Francis in the Eastern Cape
Nicole's Story
Can you share a little about yourself and your life before your diagnosis?
I am a wife and mom to an amazing boy. I am a beauty therapist and I am passionate about what I do. Prior to my diagnosis, I will be honest, I was stuck in the rat race of life and put my family and work first, almost never prioritizing self-care and time for myself.
How did you find out you had breast cancer, and what was that moment like?
I first felt a lump in 2020, I was 34. I kept it to myself as I was scared and thought I was too young. Then about 18 months later, the lump had grown and I felt another lump under my arm. I knew I had to do something about it. Eventually had a mammogram, and boom, there it was: my life changed forever. I was scared and emotional but I knew I had to fight and fight with everything I had!
What was your treatment journey like, what did you experience going through it?
The journey is not easy. Chemo was difficult. And the side effects hit you hard. The mastectomy and radiation were a little easier. Some days were harder than others. Nothing can prepare you for the treatment journey as everyone’s experiences are different.
What role did Project Flamingo play in your journey?
Project Flamingo Livingstone performed my bilateral mastectomy. And as soon as I came out of theatre, I signed up to be a volunteer. It’s a funny story.
What gave you strength or hope during treatment?
My strength came from within as I knew I had to fight for my son and husband… this was not going to get me down. And the oncology team, were amazing.
What message would you like to share with other women facing breast cancer?
Your cancer doesn’t have to define you. Your scars are proof you have fought and won! And as difficult as what it gets, stay positive, you are allowed a bad day. Wallow. But pick yourself up and carry on fighting. And the most important: Your breasts do not define who you are, you are still beautiful! You are stronger than you realize.
"You gave me back my mom."
Tabby on behalf of her mom.
Good morning,
Gosh I feel awful that it has taken me so long to write to you, but in all honesty, I actually didn't know how to start.
From a young age, we are always taught to say 'thank you' when someone gives us something. Just those two words - thank you. However, in this case, these two small words just don't seem big enough, to carry enough weight, to convey my feelings towards each and every one of you.
You see, earlier this year, my mum (Rosemary Siebrits), a 78 year lady who is my everything, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were treated so well at Groote Schuur Hospital, meeting and talking with different nurses, doctors and consultants but it was all happening so fast. We didn't really get to comprehend anything and all we could seem to concentrate on was that mom was going to have a mastectomy. Terrifying to say the least. We went in for the final diagnosis, sat on a bed and listened to the final decision and how it was going to happen. We then had to chat to a nurse for a surgery date. We were numb, but we felt reassured that the doctors seemed so in control.
We then got the official surgery date and at the bottom of the admission letter, again, two words appeared 'Project Flamingo'. The lovely sister smiled at us and said that Project Flamingo would be looking after mom - taking care of everything. True to your word, you did.
After a delay or two beyond anyone's control, mom had her surgery. Your amazing team managed to get everything out - I believe they use the term 'clear margins' - again - two words!
Right now, my mom is living her best life. She has grabbed her second chance with both hands and is loving every second. I know in this time, most people would not invest as much in an older lady, but you did. You gave me back my mom, my best friend and I simply cannot thank you enough.
My thank you to you is so weighted with gratitude, appreciation and love and I just don't know if those two words carry it through.
However, I want to thank each and every single person involved for saving my mom's life.
We promise to honour you and all you represent by living through and loving each and every day.
You are indeed, all angels.
Thank you.
With much love
Tabby
