Chrizé Boonzaier is a first-year BSC Sport Science student who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

For many, a cancer diagnosis brings with it a sense of loss, but for first-year Bachelor of Science (BSc), Sports Science student Chrizé Boonzaier, it's given her a renewed outlook on how to live.

Meeting her, it’s unmissable that her smile lights up a room, despite talking about her cancer diagnosis and treatment. It was a few months after starting her journey at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) when Boonzaier discovered the lump in her breast and was subsequently diagnosed with stage 1 aggressive cancer. 

“At first, I didn't want to tell anyone; I wanted to fight this battle on my own. But then I was told I would start losing my hair and would soon have to shave my head after the first round of chemotherapy.

"That’s when it became clear I couldn’t keep it hidden. I started by sharing the news with the people closest to me: my family first, and then my friends here on campus. But as word spread among family and friends, I realised I couldn’t personally tell everyone before they found out from someone else. Looking back now, I am grateful that I chose to open up, and today I can speak about my diagnosis and journey with confidence.” 

Chrizé Boonzaier is vlogging her health and student journey. Image: Shelley Christians /UWC

This is how her first-year journey at UWC began, with the reality of having to manage her cancer treatments and chemotherapy. Boonzaier had completed a three-year Sports Management Diploma and started a one-year Nutrition Diploma before joining UWC. Her passion for netball led her to pursue her studies at UWC.

 “I’ve been fortunate to represent Western Province in both action netball and outdoor netball. Although I can’t play at the moment, I’ve leaned more into coaching, which has only deepened my passion for sports science. I had always heard that the Sports Science Department at UWC was excellent, and since being here, I can confidently say that’s true. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I love what I do,” she said. 

As she balances her chemotherapy treatment alongside the lectures she needs to attend, preparing for assignments and tests, Boonzaier decides to turn the camera around and document her journey. Her social media vlogs have given firsthand insights into her daily schedule and positive outlook on life.

“I've shared in one of my videos that, on a visit to oncology, I came across a question: ‘Do you question your purpose in life?’ I had been holding myself together the entire time, not crying, but the moment I read that, I burst into tears. It hit me hard, because I immediately thought: ‘Why is this happening to me? At my age, after everything I’ve been through, why must I face this too?’ That was the moment I realised I want to document my journey, because maybe someone can relate, or maybe my story could help someone through their own struggle.” 

Boonzaier’s family and friends started a BackaBuddy online fundraising campaign that is helping her preserve her dream of one day becoming a mother. The goal was to raise R200 000; to date, the online campaign has raised over R144 000. 

"Because I'm still so young, there’s a risk that chemotherapy could affect my ability to have children. That was one of the scariest parts for me, because becoming a mother is one of my biggest dreams. Considering the risk, I first had my eggs frozen before beginning chemotherapy." 

She credits her family and friends as her support network that motivates and inspires her and maintains a positive outlook on a successful career in sports science, and to return to the netball court.

@uwconline For many, a cancer diagnosis brings with it a sense of loss, but for first-year Bachelor of Science (BSc), Sports Science student @Chrizé Boonzaier , it's given her a renewed outlook on how to live. #IAmUWC ? original sound - University of the Western Cape