Ray Cassiem

While most people call it ‘waiting to die for 18 years’, Ray Cassiem says she found her purpose with cancer. For someone living with a life-threatening disease, she still has more than enough energy to give to others – making our communities better.

Ray had dreams of becoming a nurse, but sometimes life just has other plans. One of 7 children, she was only about 4 years old when her mother contracted TB and had to be admitted to a treatment centre. Finding it too difficult to raise all the children on his own, her father gave them all up for adoption. But, even with her poor health, Ray’s mother discharged herself and set out to find her children again.

Ray went on to become a mother of four but was only 46 when she was diagnosed with cancer. In that same year, the company she was working for was restructuring, and she lost her job. Fortunately, she was kept on as a contractor, but with no benefits when she really needed to be on medical aid for treatment. At the age of 55, she once again became a permanent employee at the same company – almost 10 years after doctors had given her just 5 years to live.

To say that Ray Cassiem is a fighter is an understatement. This woman of faith is a strong believer and a walking example of positivity. You’d never think that this is the same person who was thinking about death as she left her doctor’s office after being told she only had 5 years left. She says she’s heard all the myths about cancer – but she read up about it, did her research and her solution was that “positivity wins”. She exercises more than most people half her age, taking part in outdoor adventures, running, hiking and more.

Despite all her challenges, she still spreads joy, educates others about cancer, and helps fellow cancer patients as a member of Cancervive – a group of individuals who all have a story about cancer. SPAR has been behind Cancervive since 2011 because what happens in our communities affects us all, and we are part of the communities in which we live.

It is because of many other ‘ordinary’ women like Ray Cassiem that we are proud to be associated with Cancervive. To all these women: SIYANIBONA – we see you! This is why we do the work we do with Cancervive.