FMI hosts breakfast for boobies in support of breast cancer awareness

Steve Piper, Jacqui Whiting, Andrea Bodill and Chane de Fortier.

Katie Smit and Michele Rout.

Andrea Bodill, Jane Engelbrecht and Denise Williams.

Denise Williams and Jane Engelbrecht.

Nompilo Nsele and Ronelle Samuel.

Vernie Naidoo and Denise Williams.

Back row: Sphe Mdibi, Vernie Naidoo, Elmarie Samuel, Hlengiwe Msubo and Londi Gumede. Front row: Chane de Fortier, Denise Williams and Andrea Bodill.

Theo Shange and Claudia Pillay.

Theo Shange, Jane Engelbrecht, Denise Williams and Claudia Pillay.

Insurance company, FMI, held a ladies’ breakfast in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month on the 3rd of October at their offices in Umhlanga. Durban based FMI policyholder and breast cancer survivor, Denise Williams, and her financial adviser, Jane Engelbrecht, were invited as special guests.

La Lucia resident and business owner, Denise, along with Jane, shared her breast cancer journey with FMI staff and guests through an open and informative talk.

2016 started out as an incredible year for Denise – the news of her daughter’s miracle pregnancy, two overseas holidays and her 60th birthday celebration. Her granddaughter was born later that year, in August, and in the same week, Denise received the earth-shattering diagnosis that she had breast cancer. But her relentless spirit led to her decision to fight the disease with positivity and to aid herself with knowledge.

Denise’s policy with FMI allowed her to receive income payments despite working throughout her treatment and afforded her the opportunity to tackle cancer head on with the best medical advice, lifestyle adjustments and freedom from financial stress. She underwent 3 months of chemotherapy and radiation. The aggressive treatment coupled with her healthy diet and lifestyle led her being declared cancer free just 6 months after her treatment began.

Denise is determined to see her grandchild turn 21 and get married and says she has a new lease on life with her changed lifestyle and diet. A true inspiration to all cancer survivors!

Earlier this year, Denise took part in FMI’s #21Lives campaign, which tells her story through an inspiring short film. Hers is one of 21 short documentaries that highlight the importance of protecting your greatest asset – your ability to earn an income - and shows the valuable role of the adviser in the process. You can watch Denise’s story here.

The Pink Drive also attended the FMI breakfast and shared valuable information about how to conduct monthly breast self-examinations and the importance of early detection and prevention. More information about the amazing work that The Pink Drive does can be found on their website www.pinkdrive.co.za

In support of breast cancer awareness and in recognition that early detection saves lives, the FMI ladies have made a short video. They are encouraging everyone to watch the video, and to share via social media in order to raise as much awareness as possible about the importance of regular check- ups click here.