Welcome to today’s episode, where we bring you an incredibly moving and inspiring story. Joining us is Lydia Staats, a 46-year-old wife and mother of two daughters, who has faced a battle few can imagine. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in February 2022, Lydia’s journey has been one of incredible courage, resilience, and faith.

From enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation delays due to systemic backlogs at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Lydia faced a recurrence in May 2023. Despite the setback, she underwent another round of intensive treatment and surgery, emerging stronger than ever. But Lydia’s story is more than just a personal battle—it’s a fight for thousands of cancer patients left waiting for critical care. As a voice for these patients, Lydia is actively involved in a court case against the Gauteng Department of Health, challenging the ongoing radiation crisis.

Today, Lydia shares her journey, her unwavering faith, and her passion for helping other breast cancer patients stay positive and keep fighting. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and advocacy. We are honoured to have her with us, and we know her story will inspire and uplift you.

So, sit back and listen to Lydia Staats’ powerful testimony of strength, survival, and purpose.

Heidi, 53, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, shares her inspiring story of determination and unwavering faith. Despite facing a challenging series of operations and treatments, her resilience and strength shine through, serving as a true testament to the power of hope and perseverance.

Heidi has been married to her loving husband for 11 years, although they have known each other for almost 40 years. Their long history together has led them to become involved with Marriage Ministries, believing that God offers second chances. They have one son together.

After working in finance (retail) for over 30 years, she was first diagnosed in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with Non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma (grade 2) Stage 4 cancer. She was on a "Watch-and-Wait" approach for almost two years before being diagnosed in August 2022 with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) during a follow-up visit.

Over the past 14 months, she has spent 111 days in the hospital. Despite setbacks, including heart failure after the first two chemotherapy sessions and a relapse in June 2023, she remains strong and believes that God has a plan for her. She is now nearing a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) and is actively trying to raise awareness about the importance of registering to become a donor. She emphasises that people can become donors without "giving up" their lives – one needs to be alive to be a donor.

In this insightful episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Shaun Waison, a seasoned nutritionalist from Life Health SA, to explore the critical role of nutrition in the context of cancer care. Shaun sheds light on the profound impact of maintaining a healthy diet and leveraging vitamins and supplements to support the body throughout and post cancer treatments.

Join us as we delve into the nuances of how proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being of individuals undergoing cancer therapies. Shaun shares his expertise on the strategic use of vitamins and supplements, offering practical insights into optimising nutritional intake to bolster the body's resilience during the challenges of cancer treatment.

Throughout the conversation, Shaun addresses the specific needs of individuals navigating the intricate journey of cancer recovery. From understanding the importance of key nutrients to exploring personalised supplement regimens, this interview provides valuable information for anyone seeking to integrate nutrition as a cornerstone of their cancer care strategy.

Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that underscores the significance of a balanced diet and targeted supplementation in promoting not just physical health but also overall vitality and resilience during and after cancer treatments. Whether you're a cancer patient, survivor, or simply interested in the profound impact of nutrition on health, this episode with Shaun Waison is sure to offer valuable insights and practical tips for cultivating a nourished and resilient body. For more information visit: https://www.lifehealthsa.com/