Lerato Monyatsi is representing a group of very special people, colorectal cancer patients and stoma patients, by climbing Kilimanjaro.
Johannesburg, South Africa (02 June 2022) – 41-year-old Lerato Monyatsi from Krugersdorp faced her greatest battle in 2020; she was diagnosed with stage 3 Colorectal Cancer and survived. The journey made her realise just how many South Africans struggle to access good medical care for this cancer, so she started raising awareness and funds to support people in need.
Lerato’s cancer battle made her a permanent Ostomate after losing her colon. This means she has to wear a bag that does the job of her missing colon. This form of treatment is expensive, and there are many that do not have the means to live with this treatment option. Lerato is campaigning to help those people, one person at a time.
She launched the Skirt Girl Hiker Foundation to be the driving force behind raising awareness and reaching as many people as possible.
“My Foundation will attempt to close the Care Gap by raising funds in aid of medical attention for Colorectal Cancer Patients and access to medical care and supplies to Ostomy patients in the form of Stomatherapists and medical supplies, and mental health support” – Lerato Monyatsi
By climbing Mount Kili as an Ostomate, she is raising some serious awareness for those living with the same condition. Lerato has had to pack additional medical supplies to be able to complete the climb safely and in good health. This additional weight to her pack further highlights her important cause.
Starting small, she hopes to raise R20,000, which will be used to get medical supplies for a fellow Ostomate. Lerato hopes to reach her funding goal and hopefully go beyond it by the time she reaches the summit in eight days.
If you would like to support her cause, you can do so here.
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