Atlas Copco South Africa acknowledged World Cancer Day (4 February), by hosting Reynolda Makhutle from Cancer Vive, a three-times cancer survivor who shared her experiences with staff members at the company’s Jet Park head office on Friday, 3rd February, 2017.
Members from Cancer Vive live with cancer and celebrate life by selflessly sharing their stories as cancer survivors to spread the positive message that a cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence. “Our team of survivors knows that early detection can save lives,” says Raynolda adding that so much of what they do is therefore focused around education and awareness. “We also honour those who have lost their battle against cancer and we raise funds to help fight the disease through education.”
Raynolda, who is affectionately known as Mama-Ray, shared some excellent advice for people living with cancer. “Early detection is crucial so it is very important to get to know your body.” Mama-Ray also enlightened Atlas Copco staff about the many different types of cancers. Each staff member could select a cancer ribbon of various colours each representing a different cancer – pink for breast cancer, white for lung cancer, blue for colon cancer, orange for leukemia, yellow for Neroblastoma and a black ribbon represents a Melanoma.
Staff members also learnt about the symptoms of these different cancer types and Mama-Ray shared some tips on what to look for, to act quickly, the do’s and don’ts, the importance of eating healthy and regular exercise. “To help prevent the disease you should ‘service’ your body like you would a car!”
Mama-Ray who is a mother of two daughters, a grandmother to seven grandchildren and a mother in her community, shared her story of how she survived cervical cancer which later spread to her ovaries and ultimately to her breasts. “At the time, I saw cancer as a monster because I didn’t understand the symptoms or the disease. But now I see cancer as my ultimate stepping stone in helping others with this disease and to teach people how to detect early symptoms or even to prevent cancer and live long full lives.” Mama-Ray made a special request to Atlas Copco staff to stand by and support all those who suffer from this disease. A number of cancer survivors in the audience related to Mama-Ray and briefly shared their stories.
It was the first time that Cancer Vive visited Atlas Copco and Kathryn Coetzer, Atlas Copco Corporate Communications and ACademy Manager, says it was a great honour to welcome Mama-Ray. “Thank you Mama-Ray for making time to share your long and successful crusade against cancer with us.”
Staff members from all Atlas Copco’s business areas signed a poster designed especially for the initiative which is proudly displayed as a reminder of a special and memorable day and Mama-Ray’s message: “Knowledge is power – embrace it; early detection can save your life.”