Thankfully, through funds raised on BackaBuddy, Ian was able to undergo a second biopsy that revealed that he, in fact, was misdiagnosed and actually has treatable stage 2 colon cancer.
Cape Town, South Africa – For the past 20 years, Ian has dedicated his life to his passion for radio, starting young on the graveyard shift on UCT Radio and then presenting for Good Hope FM and Heart FM. Ian was also the founder of Clicks Live, a retail radio station operating in all Clicks stores across South Africa.
Ian has used his voice and talents for good, supporting various charities close to his heart. Through the Blouberg Development Foundation NPC, Ian founded One FM 94.0, a non-profit community radio station and platform for both seasoned and upcoming radio presenters in Cape Town. He has also dedicated his time to supporting various charities.
Over and above his love for radio, Ian’s passion for helping people lead him to join the Auxiliary Law Enforcement project, whereby he volunteers his time to keep his community safe whilst performing the sometimes dangerous job that Law Enforcement officers face.
Five years ago, Ian received unsettling news that he had colon cancer, and after surgery and extensive chemotherapy, Ian beat the odds and was fortunate to be in remission. Ian continued to have blood tests and x-rays twice a year to ensure his cancer hadn’t returned.
But on a routine checkup in November last year, the pathology indicated a rise in Ian’s cancer markers. Concerned, doctors sent Ian for an MRI, where they soon discovered a tumour in his heart and right lung. A bronchoscopy then was performed a week later, to reveal that Ian had a Non-Small Cell Stage 3B Lung Cancer.
Friends and family started working on a plan to help him cover medical bills as he has no medical aid. A crowdfund was started on BackaBuddy to help pay for these bills.
Now we have very happy news. Just hours ago, an update was released that some of the funds raised so far were used for a second biopsy and led to the discovery of a misdiagnosis. While Ian still has cancer, he is no longer classified as terminal.
“In November last year, beloved radio presenter, Ian Ward (42), from Cape Town, was diagnosed with Stage 3B Lung Cancer and faced the reality that there was no cure for his terminal illness.
Thankfully, through funds raised on BackaBuddy, Ian was able to undergo a second biopsy that revealed that he, in fact, was misdiagnosed and has treatable stage 2 colon cancer.” – BackaBuddy
Thankfully, the new diagnosis is treatable which breeds far more hope than his previous one. Ian still needs to undergo treatment so anyone wanting to help him through this time can do so by donating to his crowdfund here. When Ian first heard about the crowdfund, he was deeply moved.
He shared a message of thanks to everyone for their love and support and ended it off by saying he was hoping for a miracle… This new treatable diagnosis could be that miracle.
“I’m very positive, with God’s help, and the continued support of people from all over the world, that I will overcome this. I’m expecting a second miracle.”
Watch Ian sharing his new hope below.
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