As many of you know, me and Deneka have been inseparable since we were just 10 years old. We’ve seen each other at our absolute worst and our absolute best. We’ve grown up together, been through becoming mums, getting jobs, and navigating all of life’s ups and downs side by side.

Deneka is just 36 years old

She isn’t just my best friend; she’s the other half of me. Nobody quite understands us, our bond, or our friendship the way we do. ❤️

In March 2023, Deneka was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer after doctors discovered a mass on her kidney. The mass was subsequently removed, and the biopsy confirmed the devastating news that it was cancer.

The diagnosis was Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC), an exceptionally rare subtype of kidney cancer that predominantly affects young people of African descent who carry the sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, or other sickle haemoglobin disorders.

RMC is particularly aggressive and often isn’t discovered until it has reached an advanced stage or spread to other parts of the body. Fewer than 400 cases have been reported worldwide in the medical literature. Because this cancer is so rare, there is limited clinical evidence to guide treatment, making every patient’s journey incredibly challenging.

For the past three years, Deneka has fought tirelessly to stay alive. She has spent countless hours researching her condition and exploring ways to support her body through a holistic approach, doing everything within her power to keep her cancer under control for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, her most recent CT scan has brought absolutely heartbreaking news. Six tumours have now been identified.

A 3cm mass on her right lung.

A 5cm mass next to the kidney that was previously removed.

Four tumours in the mediastinal area of her chest, ranging from 2cm to 5cm.

For anyone who knows Deneka, you’ll know that when you see her, she doesn’t necessarily look like someone facing such a devastating diagnosis. But what you don’t see is everything she has to do behind closed doors just to keep fighting.

Her days involve the gym, saunas, oxygen therapy, red light therapy, numerous supplements, fasting, a strict diet, and so much more. She dedicates herself to these routines in the hope of staying alive for as long as possible for her beautiful little girl, Sav, whose whole world is her mummy. ❤️

What people don’t see is the exhaustion. They don’t see the physical and emotional toll of having to put so much into every single day. They don’t see that, despite everything she is going through, Deneka still has to work to help pay for the things she relies on. They don’t see the bad days, the fear, the tears, the heartbreak, or the impact this journey has had on her family, her loved ones, and me.

Living with cancer is already an unimaginable burden. Having to fight every single day while trying to fund the things that help you cope makes it even harder.

So now, it’s our turn to help Deneka. ❤️

I want to help take some of that pressure off her shoulders. I want to help ease the financial burden so she can concentrate on herself, her wellbeing, and, most importantly, making as many beautiful memories as possible with her brave little girl, Sav.

No mum should have to face something like this. No child should have to face the possibility of losing their mummy. And no best friend should have to watch someone they love so deeply go through this without doing everything they can to help.

I’m asking, from the bottom of my heart, for donations to help lighten Deneka’s load during the most difficult fight of her life.

Every single donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. If you’re unable to donate, please share this post to help us reach as many people as possible.

Deneka has spent so long fighting with everything she has. Now I want her to know that she doesn’t have to carry the weight of everything alone.

Let’s come together for Deneka and Sav, help ease some of the pressure, and give them the chance to make as many precious memories together as possible. ❤️

Thank you so much to everyone who donates, shares, or simply takes the time to read this. It genuinely means more than words can ever explain. ❤️