We recently interviewed Helen Hugo, a volunteer with the Kimberley branch of Reach for Recovery who will be 45 years cancer-free in October 2024. Helen has served as an RFR for an astonishing 38 years (since 1986).
This is what she had to share (warning – highly inspirational content!)
When and where were you born?
I was born in Kimberley in 1950 and am still living here! My only time away was when I studied at Rhodes University.
Please tell us about your breast cancer journey.
My third child was born in June 1979 and after discovering a lump which was initially thought to be mastitis and a few weeks later presenting with glands in the axilla I was referred to a surgeon.
It all happened quickly.
When my baby was just under 4 months and I had just turned 29, I had a radical mastectomy.
Thereafter, I was referred to Groote Schuur in Cape Town, had a year of chemotherapy and regular check-ups followed, initially 3 monthly, then 6 monthly, now annually.
With the cancer being hormone-fed, my prognosis was not good, but I am thankful for the drastic treatment as well as having a wonderful husband and a strong faith which saw me through.
With three children (the eldest wasn’t quite five) I just had to keep going, though was fortunate to obtain full-time house-help which made coping with the house and children easier.
How did you first get involved with Reach for Recovery?
A doctor’s wife, Mrs Tandy, came to support me in hospital. She was instrumental in starting the group in Kimberley with Ardath Datnow who became a stalwart of Reach for Recovery. I was immediately drafted in.
What do you like best about volunteering and offering peer support?
Initially, I did volunteering on a regular basis and really enjoyed visiting patients and getting alongside them, but once I commenced teaching full-time it became more difficult. However, after retiring I did a refresher volunteer training course in Bloemfontein. I now do the quarterly stats for the group.
You have spent almost four decades as a peer support volunteer. Please share some of the highlights from your time with RFR.
I have been part of a wonderfully supportive group and have enjoyed our meetings together, organised walks and fundraisers. The highlight, though, will always be attending the 50th celebrations of Reach for Recovery in Mossel Bay in 2018.
What advice do you have for newly-diagnosed women?
Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Follow the advice of your medical team and have the treatment prescribed. Avoid Dr Google!!!
What message would you give survivors who want to consider becoming a peer support volunteer?
It is so good to give back in gratitude for having come through surgery and treatment. Just reflecting on what the visit of the volunteer meant when one lay in hospital with lots of fears and questions should provide enough incentive.
A bonus is being part of a supportive group and enjoying fellowship with them.
Tell us a little bit about your family, your career and your hobbies, and interests.
God has been so good and I have been so blessed. I have been so privileged to have not only watched my three children grow up but seeing our eight grandchildren grow up too.
In the mid eighties my husband was elected as Mayor of Kimberley and I enjoyed the role as Mayoress.
Once my children were all at school I was able to pursue my teaching career and ended up as Headmistress of Kimberley Girls High School, the very school I attended and at which I taught.
Swimming in summer and playing social tennis twice a week is my main exercise and since my retirement we have been able to travel extensively and there has been renewed interest in cooking, baking and crocheting.
Presently I serve on the boards of a private school in Kimberley and the Kimberley Academy of Music, run the database of old girls of my school, am involved in our church’s soup outreach programme, attend Bible Studies and serve on our Church’s ladies committee.
I am indeed grateful to be able to live an active and fulfilling life.
