Fifty-year-old stroke survivor fights to rebuild her life
The mother of two was stripped of her independence overnight and forced to relearn even the most basic tasks of daily living. Before the stroke, Shereen was a fiercely self-reliant woman who managed everything for her daughters. But suddenly, she was the one who needed care.
The stroke came shortly after she was admitted for a brain aneurysm in February this year. She lost the ability to speak, her right arm became dysfunctional and she struggled to walk.
'When I was discharged, I weighed just 36 kilogrammes,' she said.
At first no one could understand a word she said, a deeply isolating experience. But Shereen refused to give up.
She gave everything to her recovery, undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and speech therapy.
'My boss, Daniel van der Westhuizen from Globalem, paid for all these sessions and I am so grateful for his assistance,' she said.
Shereen had worked remotely as his personal assistant for over two years.
Just this past Friday, she attended her final physiotherapy session, a milestone she once believed was out of reach.
Her speech therapist had initially predicted she would only be able to hold a full conversation by next year. But since starting her recovery journey in March, she has made remarkable progress.
'I would not be where I am today if it was not for their help,' said a tearful Shereen.
'God saved me, and now I have to do everything I can to get better.'
Her road to recovery has not been easy. Some days she spoke clearly, while on others, she woke up unable to utter a word. Still, she persisted.
She curled her own hair, burning her hands in the process, until she got it right. She cooked meals, refusing to stay in bed or surrender to her condition.
Her daughter, Sheriece Whyte (26), could not be more proud.
'She fought for my sister and me. This journey tested us and brought us closer as a family,' said Sheriece.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Justin Timberlake's ‘debilitating' battle with Lyme disease
Sad news for JT fans… the pop star and actor is currently battling with Lyme disease. Justin took to Instagram to share his experience with the illness, describing it as 'relentlessly debilitating.' The 44-year-old star, fresh off the end of his world tour, additionally explained why it was important to finally share his story. On 31 July 2025, Justin Timberlake took to Instagram to share his reflections of the world tour he just wrapped up. He described the tour as being the most emotionally gratifying, as well as the most physically demanding experience of his life. And there's a reason. The star opened up about his battle with Lyme disease, which he described as 'relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.' He reveals that when he was first diagnosed, he found himself at a crossroads: he could either stop the tour or he could push through the pain. In the end, he chose to keep going, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his fans. In his post on Instagram , he wrote: I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going. Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. The star went on to say that he decided to share his experience with Lyme disease in attempts to feel more connected with his fans, as well as to do his part in helping others struggling with the disease. According to Mayo Clinic , Lyme disease is an illness caused by the Borrelia bacteria, which is typically transmitted to humans through a tick bite. The disease is most commonly associated with activities where ticks are prevalent. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary widely and often appear in stages, although some stages may overlap. In addition to that, not everyone may experience the classic early symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult. Some symptoms to look out for include, but are not limited to: Fever Headache Extreme fatigue Muscle aches and pains Swollen lymph nodes Rashes Pain, numbness or weakness in hands or feet Painful swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics and the treatment plan depends on the stage of the infection. According to Cleveland Clinic , most people who get Lyme disease and receive treatment early will be fine. While treatment cures the disease, individuals affected may still struggle with some long-term effects. Though the disease may contribute to other serious health problems, it is rarely fatal. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Five-day walk helps raise cancer awareness
The Strides 4 Hope Walk, which took place from July 22 to 26, united a group of ordinary individuals for an extraordinary cause. Over five days, 20 to 30 walkers covered 100km across Gauteng, ending with a community 5km fun run at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton. Created in partnership with Cansa, the event was more than a physical challenge. It aimed to raise critical funds for cancer support and give a voice to lesser-known forms of the disease. Each day of the walk was dedicated to a different type of cancer, with walkers wearing colour-themed shirts to reflect the focus of the day. Ordinary people, extraordinary effort Elize Damon, the main organiser, explained what sets this walk apart from other fundraising efforts. 'It is not athletes doing this. These are ordinary people. Spending five days together creates a team spirit that carries you through every step,' she said. Jaq Grobler, who is also a runner, took part in the full walk. 'Everyone had to dig deep. You test your strength, but also your ability to support others. That is what makes it so powerful,' he said. Planning the 100km journey takes weeks of preparation. 'We map out the route, walk it ourselves and adjust as needed. We try to keep it manageable, but there are always hills and challenges,' said Damon. Shinning a light all cancers The route may be long, but the purpose behind it is what keeps participants going. 'There is so much attention on breast cancer, but others get forgotten. We want to change that. We want people to talk about prostate cancer, lung cancer and other cancers that also take lives,' Damon said. Funds raised go directly to Cansa, an organisation that provides cancer education, counselling and care. 'Cansa does not get government funding. Events like this help them continue their work,' she said. Growing community support The community's response this year was stronger than before. 'More people showed up, more supported us. My hope is that next year even more diverse communities join in,' Damon added. Personal reasons, powerful moments For Helen Schumann, one of the walkers, the motivation was personal. 'My dad passed away from cancer. A close friend is fighting now. Walking for them means everything. It also reminds us that any one of us could be next,' she said. Linda Murphy, a returning walker, said it is about unity. 'The best moments are when we are all together; walking side by side with one shared goal.' How you can help To support future walks or contribute to the cause, visit Cansa's website or follow the Strides 4 Hope walk Facebook page.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
#BestofBallito: Superb skincare with Skin MD Dermatology
After his unique birthmark was misdiagnosed and mistreated, Dr Ranjan Pillay developed an interest in skin that has persisted throughout his life. Now a seasoned dermatologist with a sub-specialty in skin cancer surgery, Dr Pillay is living out his passion by ensuring his patients get the most out of their skin. That dedication to his craft is evidenced by a first-placed finish in this year's Best of Ballito Readers' Choice Awards, in the Best Dermatologist category. Originally from Port Elizabeth, he grew up in Durban as the son of a well-known general practitioner and never wavered from a career in medicine. Dr Pillay studied locally and internationally and quickly confirmed his focus on dermatology after doing a rotation into the specialty during his training. 'The skin can also be a 'window' into underlying conditions, and it is very stimulating to be able to help someone through early diagnosis.' Dr Pillay has well established practices in both Port Shepstone and Scottburgh and recently expanded to Ballito. 'My family lives in Ballito and I have slowly been making a move back towards my mom's cooking!' he said. 'I love the outdoor nature of the North Coast community and the progressive nature of the medical fraternity which supports my work outlook.' KwaZulu-Natal's coastal communities also have an outsized need for dermatology given the unfortunate prevalence of skin cancers. 'Prevention is always better, but I am also skilled in surgery as needed, with a focus on minimally invasive options that prioritise natural-looking results.' 'When I'm not working, I enjoy spending outdoor time with loved ones and the man of the house – my English bulldog Mafuta!' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
