When “happy birthday” becomes “HAPPY birthday!!!”

It is Mom’s birthday today, and it is a special one this year.

Mom never really cared for celebrating the day she was born exactly 56 years ago, but this time it is different. For her and for dad, but for me too. Today, we celebrate her life and the fact that she will celebrate many more birthdays in the years to come.

When My Mom was diagnosed with cancer, my world was turned up side down. All of a sudden, the woman who gave birth to me was suffering from a disease that kills scores of women each and every year. Women like you and me. While I believed she would be fine, I was also scared of losing her. I do not think I have been that scared ever.

Now, almost two months later, things looks much, much brighter. The tumor has been removed entirely, the cancer did not spread, and she does not need chemo. Yes, she needs radiotherapy, but that was too be expected.

Of course, Mom hates going to hospital for her daily treatments. But it will be almost over soon  She is in her second week now, and taking it like an absolute trooper.

So we are blessed.  Very blessed. And today is the perfect way to celebrate our fortune. Unfortunately, I can’t be there as I am back in South Africa, but I have arranged a special delivery.

This ear, I will cycle the Cape Argus Cycle race. I do this as a tribute to my mom. If she can beat cancer, then I can do this race. I am thinking of getting myself sponsored, to raise funds for South African women who cannot afford treatment. To give ou an idea – 52% of the population lives under the poverty level of 1.25$ a day. Only 14% of people have access to private medical care. Public hospitals are chronically underfunded, under-staffed and over-burdened.

More about this later. If ou have tips and tricks about how to do this – let me know.