Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe
Cancer survivors have been encouraged to use their personal journeys to inspire hope, raise awareness and support others battling the disease, as CancerServe Trust celebrated resilience and recovery at its “Threads of Triumph” Survivors Dinner in Harare on Sunday.
The event brought together cancer survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, supporters and corporate partners in a celebration of courage, perseverance and the power of hope in the face of adversity.
Speaking at the event, CancerServe Trust patron Dr Anna Mary Nyakabau said survivors embodied the possibility of overcoming cancer and carried a powerful message for those still fighting the disease.
“Tonight, we celebrate triumph, not because the road was easy, but because you walked it with resilience. You chose hope when fear was loud,” she said.
Dr Nyakabau praised survivors for their strength and determination, saying their experiences could encourage newly diagnosed patients and help break the stigma often associated with cancer.
The occasion also marked the unveiling of long-time cancer survivor Mrs Petronella Tshatedi as a CancerServe Trust ambassador.
Having lived with cancer for more than three decades, Mrs Tshatedi shared her journey of survival, describing it as a process that extends far beyond medical treatment.
“It is about navigating fear, uncertainty and pain, and learning to hope and believe again,” she said.
She urged fellow survivors to openly share their experiences and become sources of encouragement for others facing similar challenges.
“The beautiful thing about survivors is that we do not just survive for ourselves,” said Mrs Tshatedi.
“Our stories become light for somebody else who is still walking through darkness.”
She noted that survivor testimonies play a critical role in giving hope to patients and families struggling to come to terms with a cancer diagnosis.
Dr Nyakabau also called on society to recognise the human stories behind cancer statistics and to continue supporting those affected by the disease.
“We must never forget that behind every statistic is a person — a father, mother, brother or child — and behind every person is a story of resilience and quiet strength,” she said.
The Survivors Dinner served not only as a celebration of recovery but also as a platform to strengthen advocacy, encourage early detection and promote solidarity among those affected by cancer.
