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Cancer survivors ready to step up at Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Three cancer survivors - Denise Williams (uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal), Rayghanah Cassiem (Cape Town), and Loraika Pillay (Gauteng) - are proudly sharing their inspirational journeys as they prepare to participate in the Totalsports Women’s Race in their respective cities in 2025. Taking place on Sunday, 3 August in Durban, Saturday, 9 August in Cape Town, and Sunday, 17 August in Johannesburg, the race proudly supports PinkDrive, the event’s official charity, while celebrating the strength, resilience, and vital role of women in society.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, Denise Williams has now been in remission for seven years.
“I tackled the battle head-on. I was determined not to let it defeat me,” says Williams. “My family, friends, and colleagues stood by me every step of the way. A friend of 30 years came to stay with me every weekend during my three-month chemotherapy journey. My ‘cancer sisters’ at the oncology centre became like family - we walked that path together. I consulted a nutritionist, did DNA testing to understand the root of my cancer, changed my diet, exercised mindfully, and focused on my overall wellbeing with a positive attitude. Today, I’m stronger for the journey. I thank God every day for the gift of life. I count my blessings and appreciate everything, even the smallest moments. I’m living my life to the fullest.”
Williams believes in the healing power of movement and mindset: “Staying active and participating in events like the Totalsports Women’s Race has a truly positive impact. It keeps the mind sharp and helps you stay motivated. Set goals and aim for milestones. The vibe at this race is so uplifting, with an electric atmosphere. It’s always well-organised and supports such an important cause.”
Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2005, Rayghanah Cassiem was told that she only had five years to live.
“I was shocked - devastated doesn’t even begin to describe it,” says Cassiem. “I had no history of cancer, breastfed four sons, never smoked or drank. I didn’t accept the diagnosis. Before cancer I existed; after treatment, I truly started living. In August 2025, during the Totalsports Women’s Race month, I’ll mark 20 years on this journey. After five years, the cancer returned in my breastbone - Stage 4, incurable. I’ve been living with Stage 4 cancer for the past 15 years. Since then, I’ve faced multiple scares: liver, jaw, breast, skull, uterus, and hip. I turned to hiking, dragon boat paddling, and running to focus on quality living. I’ve been on treatment for 18 years, now stopped as my body is resistant. I live by ABC: Attitude, Believe, Choice. I choose to survive and live fully. I’ve completed over 50 half marathons, 100+ 10km races, and represented Africa in Dragon Boat Paddling in Canada in 2010. I am a member of CANCERVIVE, an organisation dedicated to creating cancer awareness to save lives and build a cancer-conscious society."
“The Totalsports Women’s Race is a fantastic way to encourage women to get active,” confirms Cassiem. “I’ve taken part so many times, I’ve lost count. With PinkDrive involved, we’re not just running - we’re raising vital cancer awareness with the goal of saving lives. To all participants and supporters: know your body. Pay attention to any unusual changes - early detection can make all the difference. Use the services offered by PinkDrive, learn what’s available, and share it with others. You could be saving a life.”
Loraika Pillay, diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2023, began chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis.
“Chemo was no walk in the park,” says Pillay. “It was tough and complicated, stretching over several months, but I pushed through. After chemo, I underwent a double mastectomy to remove my breasts. I’ll never forget when my surgeon called with incredible news - there was no evidence of the tumour at the original site. I had responded well to treatment. I was given another chance to create memories with my little girl. More days were added to my life - and I knew I needed to add life to those days. My advice to others facing the same battle is to look after your mind just as much as your body. Love yourself. Value time with your family. Live in the present. Trust your doctors, but also listen to your body. It’s scary and overwhelming, but remember - it’s just a phase. Take it one day and one step at a time.”
Pillay made her Totalsports Women’s Race debut in 2024, while in remission.
“I love that this event celebrates women - it’s truly motivating and empowering,” she says. “The sense of achievement is unmatched, and I’ll definitely be back this year. The race was a turning point for me. After my diagnosis, I started walking in the evenings to watch the sunset and reconnect with nature. A colleague encouraged me to enter the race. My mom and sister walked alongside me. I’d finished chemo just nine months before, and had undergone major surgery shortly after. I didn’t think I’d even make it halfway. The entertainment and crowd motivators lifted my spirits and helped me find the strength to keep going. And crossing that finish line… WOW. It was pure euphoria - a feeling that words simply can’t capture.”
“Denise, Rayghanah and Loraika embody the incredible strength, resilience, and spirit that the Totalsports Women’s Race stands for,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports. “Their journeys are powerful reminders of what it means to overcome adversity with courage and grace. We are truly inspired by their determination and proud to honour them - along with the many other runners, walkers, and supporters who are walking similar paths. This race is a celebration of every woman’s story, and we’re privileged to be part of theirs.”
DATE: | CITY: |
| Totalsports Women’s Race Durban Start Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade Finish Venue: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade Start Time:
Entry Fee:
Entries Close: Monday 28 July 2025, or once capacity has been reached. |
| Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town Start Time:
Entry Fee:
Entries Close: Monday 04 August 2025, or once capacity has been reached. |
| Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg Start Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park Finish Venue: Marks Park, Emmerentia Start Time:
Entry Fee:
Entries Close: Monday 11 August 2025, or once capacity has been reached. |
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Totalsports Women’s Race proudly supports PinkDrive, a non-profit company (NPC) dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness, providing education, and offering free services to medically uninsured individuals across South Africa. For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org
WOMEN’S ONLY 10KM WORLD RECORD INCENTIVE: In a bold move to elevate women’s road running, title sponsor Totalsports, in collaboration with event organiser Stillwater Sports, has announced a groundbreaking R1 million incentive for the first female athlete to break the Women’s Only 10km World Record at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, 03 August 2025. Read more here: https://totalsportswomensrace.co.za/media-release/totalsports-womens-race-announces-r1-000-000-incentive-for-world-record-performance/
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