Celebrating survival: Sulosh Pillay's journey of hope

IOL News

a day ago

Cancer survivor, Sulosh Pillay.
Image: Supplied
Celebrating 27 years of remission is Sulosh Pillay, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1998.
The 62-year-old is the chairperson of the Daughters of Africa organisation where a significant aspect of her work involves raising awareness about cancer, offering screenings and testing, and providing support to those affected by cancer.
'Through my work, I aim to promote early detection and provide essential information that can save lives. This cause is deeply personal to me because cancer has affected my own family,' said Pillay.
'My mother and sister had cancer. My mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1995 but it was too late and she passed away three years after her diagnosis. My sister and I are survivors.
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"My sister, Pama Naidoo (68), was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986, and I was diagnosed in 1998 at age 35 with colon cancer. Our survival is a testament to the importance of early detection and treatment. I am living proof that there is always hope.
'This personal connection drives my passion for ensuring that others don't have to go through the same challenges, and that they have access to the support and resources they need to fight this disease."
Pillay said when she was diagnosed, it felt as though the world had suddenly collapsed around her.
"Outwardly, I remained composed and to all purposes confident and strong, but internally it was a tsunami of emotions. Fear and uncertainty engulfed my thoughts, and I often wondered how I would find the strength to face this immense challenge.
'I underwent chemotherapy over six months with 12 intense cycles. The treatment made me feel extremely weak, erratic, constantly nauseous, and often ill. It was one of the most physically and emotionally testing times of my life.'
After a year, Pillay went into remission in 1999.
'The experience was nothing short of a rebirth, a deep, spiritual sense of being 'born again' but I still go for annual check-ups to make sure. I focused on my work, which was community service. Immersing myself in something purposeful gave me a way to momentarily put aside the disease and helped me stay mentally strong.'
She said her strong support system helped her get to where she was today and she used that same sentiment to help others.
'I had an incredibly strong support system, from my colleagues to my family and friends. Their unwavering encouragement was not only vital to my survival but it allowed me to truly thrive after the diagnosis.
'My organisation is dedicated to providing free cancer screening and early detection services. I offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. I also walk with them through their journeys, helping them not just to survive, but, like me, to thrive.'
Her advice to anyone with cancer: 'Never give up hope. No one can define the span of your life. You have within you the power to heal and to overcome. I began sharing my story of faith and hope, allowing others to see that survival is possible, and that there is light even in the darkest times.
'Cancer taught me that time is truly precious. It awakened me to the importance of living fully in the present moment, of embracing life in the now,' said Pillay.
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