Bellville mother’s breast cancer returns as family launches fundraising appeal
A Bellville family has launched a fundraising campaign to help a mother of two afford ongoing treatment for recurring breast cancer. The patient requires expensive medication that is currently beyond her financial reach.
Why it matters
It highlights the financial burden of chronic illness and the reliance on community-based crowdfunding for essential medical care.
06 OCT 2026 Northern News Roxy Smit takes a selfie with her cousin, Berenice Dalwai, during a visit. Picture: Supplied The family of a Bellville mother of two is appealing to the community for help to ensure she can continue treatment after breast cancer returned less than three years after her first diagnosis.
Berenice Dalwai was first diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in December 2022 after what she initially thought was a mosquito bite. Tests revealed four tumours, beginning a difficult 10-month journey that included chemotherapy, a mastectomy with reconstruction and radiation.
After completing treatment, Berenice was declared cancer-free and spent two years and seven months in remission.
However, during a routine check-up in April this year, the family received the news they had hoped never to hear again – Berenice’s cancer had returned.
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