Standing Together This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, the world turns a little pink. But behind the pink ribbons and awareness campaigns lie the real stories - stories of courage, fear, resilience, and community. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about early detection and medical progress (though those save countless lives every year). It’s also about people - about those who fight, those who support, and those who continue to shine a light for others.

At Louw & Coetzee Properties, we’re proud to stand beside every woman and man who has faced this battle, and this month, we want to share a story close to home. One of our own, Mariska Dreyer, has graciously opened her heart to offer her message of hope.

Her words are a beautiful reminder of strength and humanity in the midst of uncertainty.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to stand together, reflect, and remind one another that we are stronger than we think. As a breast cancer warrior, I know how scary the journey can feel. The uncertainty, the endless waiting, the tests, the needles, the checkups, they all become part of life.

There are moments of fear, weakness, and heartache. Days when you feel like lying down and crying because you simply have no answers - and that’s okay. But here’s what I’ve learned: medicine has come such a long way. Treatments are advanced, and survival rates are higher than ever before. There is hope, real, tangible hope.

My advice to anyone walking this path is simple:

Rest when your body asks you to.
Breathe deeply and ground yourself in the moment.
Take long walks on the beach.
Listen to your favourite music.
Cook your favourite meal.
Do the things that make you happy, even the small things.

This is what I did and I promise you it helped so much!

Because healing is not just about medicine, it’s about love, peace, and joy in the little things. To everyone currently fighting, and to those who have walked this journey before, I would like to say: I see you, I feel for you, and I honour your strength. You are brave and you are beautiful. And you are never alone.”

-              Breast Cancer Warrior, Mariska Dreyer

Mariska’s story is a powerful testament to hope - the kind that lives quietly in the hearts of those who keep going, even when the road feels endless. Her journey reminds us that while cancer affects the body, it also transforms the soul. As a community, we all have a part to play. Whether it’s checking in on a friend during treatment, offering a meal, or simply listening - small acts of kindness can make an extraordinary difference.

This month, we’re also reminded of the importance of awareness. Early detection saves lives. Schedule your mammogram, do your self-examinations, and encourage the women in your life to do the same. Awareness is love in action.

For every person currently in treatment, every survivor celebrating another year, and every family remembering someone they love - we honour you. You are the reason this month matters. Together, we can turn awareness into action, and fear into hope.

Together, we are stronger.

Image source: Alinda van Rensburg

Written by Mariska Dreyer

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