Naniki Seboni – Cancer Survivor and Absa Run Your City CANSA Active Champion
CANSA is proud to announce that cancer survivor and CANSA ambassador, Nanik Seboni, will be participating in the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K as a CANSA Active Champion. Nanik’s inspiring journey as a cancer survivor and her dedication to raising awareness for lowering cancer risk and support make her a true beacon of hope. She shares her story with us:
At 24, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 malignant melanoma, a reality that seemed unlikely at the time, but when you look at my skin and health journey, skin cancer was a given. Having experienced extreme sensitivity to the sun, rashes, irregular patches, serve sun burns and unusual and multiple moles from age 5 to my early 20’s, the writing was on the wall. I was supposed to take extra care of my skin. Funny thing is that, when I did take precautions like using sunscreen, I was teased for wanting to be like a “white girl”. It’s funny now, but heart wrenching as a child.
After my initial diagnosis, I avoided treatment out of fear. However, I found courage the moment I was introduced to the warriors in the CANSA Survivors – Champions of Hope support group. Their support gave me the push to face my diagnosis head on and seek medical care. To date, I’ve been declared cancer-free and, in fact, considered cured from cancer through my official discharge from the Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) Oncology clinic. As I say goodbye to the idea of myself as a patient, I welcome the new chapter as a patient and skin cancer advocate who still enjoys her time outside being active, but this time I’m dedicated to ultimate sun protection through the use of UPF clothing like wide-brimmed hats and UV arm sleeves from CANSA Active and using my SPF 50+ sunscreens very generously.
By running as a CANSA Active Champion, Naniki is helping to raise funds for CANSA’s vital care and support programmes, ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone. Join us in cheering her on as she runs to make a difference.
