Breast cancer survivor hails Mascom for P250k donation
Larona Makhaiza | Wednesday October 29, 2025 06:00
Speaking at the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) Breast Cancer Run over the weekend, Raphaka recalled her difficult journey from diagnosis to recovery.
She described the journey as a test of faith, strength, and community from the moment she was told she had cancer.
“Back on August 11, 2021, I felt a lump in my breast, and I called my partner to check if the lump was really there, and he confirmed it. I went to a hospital and a scan was done, which verified that there was a lump,” she recalled.
Raphaka said that was the start of the downturn events of her life, as what turned out to be just a lump posed a big threat to her enduring life.
“After the scan, I was booked for a mammogram, which confirmed our suspicions. From there, the doctor ordered a biopsy for me, still in the same month, and the results were ready by September 6, and I was diagnosed with stage three cancer,” she said.
Raphaka further said the revelation that she had breast cancer made her fear for her life, knowing very well how fatal the dreadful disease is, as most people never survive it.
“When I heard the news, I feared for my life because when we grew up, we knew that cancer meant death, and I cried so much on that day together with my partner, but I made peace with the fact that I have cancer,” she said.
The breast cancer survivor said she then started a tough journey ahead of her, of treatment, which included chemotherapy, which took a toll on her body.
“I then started treatment at Princess Marina for chemotherapy, and let me tell you that is one of the most challenging parts of recovery. It was really painful, and my body could not take it anymore,” she said.
Raphaka said the only thing that kept her going was the unwavering support she received from her family and corporations such as Mascom that support awareness initiatives.
“The only thing that carried me through to defeat cancer was the support I received from everyone, and I am telling you without support, I might not have survived the treatment till I was cleared,” she said.
She went on to thank Mascom for donating P250,000 towards the fight against breast cancer to help other victims in their fight.
“This donation will help many people in their fight against cancer. What Mascom is doing is really an impeccable job,” she lauded Mascom.
Mascom donated P250,000 towards breast cancer awareness from the proceeds of the Batanani walk held annually.