Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in childhood, a battle that defined her primary school years with constant trips to the hospital, Morgan Rothman faced adversity with remarkable courage to go on to achieve her wildest dream.
Cape Town, South Africa (10 April 2025) – Standing tall as an accomplished Stellenbosch University (SU) graduate, Morgan Rothman’s younger self is no doubt beaming with pride!
As a child in primary school, Morgan was met with a curveball that very few girls experience after being diagnosed with Dysgerminoma, a rare and malignant germ cell tumour that typically affects young women.
The condition presented itself as a tumour in one of her ovaries, which had to be removed. The diagnosis brought challenges of a different kind for Morgan and her family, who held onto strength and hope as she endured numerous medical procedures and chemotherapy at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
“My entire primary school career consisted of check-ups,” Morgan tells SU.
But thanks to her loved ones, she was able to undergo every step of her treatment and overcome the cancer diagnosis.
“My support system over the years as well as growing up was really top-notch. I never felt the need to question my situation or that it was a burden to carry. The people around me genuinely tried to make my life as normal as possible.”
Morgan, now a qualified social worker, recently received her bachelor’s degree from SU – a dream come true for her and the pride of her supportive parents.
“I feel proud of myself because I never gave up. If I recall currently I’m the first grandchild to graduate on my father’s side of the family. So I can imagine that my parents and grandmother are very proud.
“And it’s not just a paper with my name on it, that says ai have a degree. But it represents a story that I’m telling,” concludes an inspiring Morgan.
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Sources: Stellenbosch University
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