At the age of 40, I was diagnosed with stage 1A1 cervical cancer. I underwent a radical trachelectomy—rather than a total hysterectomy—because the doctors wanted to save my ovaries. I was also prescribed a combination of brachytherapy and chemotherapy. During my treatment, I developed tumors on both ovaries and my left breast. These were successfully treated, and I survived. Now, I am in remission, although I continue to face challenges with my colon and bladder, which are being closely monitored and managed.

After my diagnosis, I experienced intense stigma, rejection, and prejudice from the people I loved, trusted, and needed the most. This led to depression and a minor stroke. The lack of knowledge and counseling left me emotionally and mentally overwhelmed — I had no information about the disease and no one to guide me. Everything happened so fast, and I felt so alone, except for my late mum, who also later developed a rare cancer four years after my diagnosis.

My mum was a strong believer and a prayer warrior who encouraged me to trust God and pray for healing. My two daughters, who were teenagers at the time, were deeply traumatized by seeing me suffer in silence. They were young and felt helpless. God and my mum were my only pillars of support, and for that, I will always be grateful. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

What have I learned?
This journey has changed the way I look at life. I now live with a deep sense of gratitude, which led me to a positive realization: I can use my story to inform, equip, and inspire others. It has given me the courage to break the silence around stigma, educate others about cancer, and provide support wherever I can.

Today, I am an active member of Cancervive. I serve as a Community Manager, raising awareness in companies, schools, NGOs, and other settings. I joined Cancervive in 2011, at its inception, and have remained a part of the organization ever since. That same year, I participated in my first awareness motorcycle ride to the Western Cape. During that ride, I had the opportunity to share my journey, and in doing so, I rediscovered my passion for making a difference.

When I returned from that 10-day motorcycle ride, I went to a local clinic—just after losing my job—and asked if I could share my journey there. They welcomed me, and that marked the beginning of my mission to touch the lives of others impacted by cancer.

I can speak more than seven languages, which helps me connect with people from different backgrounds, ages, and races. I have been trained by doctors as a “Cancer Buddy” to learn more about cancer, and today I am a professional counselor and patient navigator. I work closely with patients, supporting them through their journeys, encouraging their families, and emphasizing the importance of a strong support system.

I have trained four other patient navigators to educate people in different regions of Gauteng, South Africa. Currently, I am raising awareness in more than 90 clinics with a focus on decreasing late diagnoses.

‘A Fresh Chapter’

Joining A Fresh Chapter has been life-changing and has shifted my perspective in ways I cannot fully express. Being part of their Ignite Experience program and the AFC family has added tremendous value to my life. Through Ignite, I have grown and gained skills to navigate life.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and am in the process of writing a book about my experiences. Despite facing rejection, I have chosen not to be bitter. Instead, I intend to use my experiences to spread positivity and make a meaningful difference wherever I go.

Raynolda Makhutle is a multiple cancer survivor, advocate, professional counselor, and patient navigator based in South Africa. Since 2011, she has served as a Community Manager for Cancervive, where she raises cancer awareness and provides support to patients. Raynolda is a proud alumna of A Fresh Chapter’s Ignite Experience program. ‘Raynolda’ means ‘storm Irish flower that brings hope in a hopeless situation’.