For many, September 11th conjures up images of death and grief. For me, it was a good day. I was told I had beaten cancer.

For the 6 months prior to September 11, I had taken nothing for granted. There was nothing certain about the next day. Each day was a fight for survival. Each day, my body reacted differently to the level of toxic chemicals in my blood. I was either sliding towards that point, 7 days after a “heavy” dose of chemo where I couldn’t move. Or, after getting through that low point in the cycle, I was moving with a sense of dread toward the next date in the calendar of receiving another nauseating round of the drugs. All in the hope of killing this thing growing inside me, and not knowing if it would consume me.

Today, there was finally, real hope that the end of a dark journey was coming to a happy ending. So I started thinking about my future. Realizing there was a greater degree of certainty about what lay ahead, I started to reflect on the various promises I made to myself on what I would do if I got back on my feet.

There were a number of aspects of my life I wanted to change, but there was one thing in particular I wanted to do. I wanted to help others deal with the uncertainty of what lay ahead when they were diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t want someone else to have to “re-invent the wheel of learning” that I had been through. After all, I had learned so much during this period I felt it was a waste not to pass this knowledge on. But most importantly, I wanted to be a beacon of hope. I wanted to show people that cancer wasn’t necessarily a death knell. It can be beaten.

So in 2002, after I was well enough mentally and physically, I co founded People Living With Cancer (PLWC) with Linda Greeff, another cancer survivor. This non profit organization aims to assist cancer patients and their families in dealing with:
• their diagnosis and treatment;
• emotional and psychological issues; and
• living with, and beyond the treatment of cancer.

PLWC recognizes that when a person initially discovers that they have cancer, they may feel overwhelmed, vulnerable and alone. At the same time they must also learn about complex medical treatments and choose the one best for them.

PLWC strives to ensure that all people diagnosed with and living with cancer have access to information, peer support, resources and services that will assist them in regaining their lives after being diagnosed with the disease. Through education and support the organisation intends to empower patients and their families.

So far we have networks in the Western Cape, Port Elizabeth and Nelspruit. My dream is to make this kind of support network available to all people living with different diagnoses of cancer countrywide.

Carl has 14 years of experience at senior level in the financial services industry advising individuals and corporates on their tax and investment planning needs. Prior to co-founding Clade, Carl worked in Hong Kong for two and a half years and then returned to successfully establish and run a multinational financial services firm in South Africa. Carl then moved to RMB Private Bank where he worked as a senior wealth manager for four years. Carl has consulted to clients domiciled in South Africa and internationally in Hong Kong, London, Isle of Man, Gibraltar and New York .
Carl has an MBA from the University of Cape Town and is a qualified Certified Financial Planner.

I wanted to share an important milestone with you. I have been clear 10 years!! I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1998. After 9 months of chemo and 2 rounds of abdominal surgery things looked “good”. But as you know, you don’t get a Noddy badge or a gold star to say you’ve passed and no one says to you “now go home and celebrate!!”. So check ups every month gradually became check ups once a year and before you know it, 10 years have passed without incident..

Its great to have experienced cancer as it changed me for the better. Its also great to be alive! So to celebrate ( and to try and lose a little weight!), I decided to run the New York marathon. See attached pic..

To all of those out there who are struggling with chemo, remember to stay positive. Talk to people who have been through what you’re going through and believe in your doctors and the process you’re going through.

Kind regards
Carl