A health fanatic. A hard grafter. And a full of life mum of two. Cancer was nowhere close to being on Candice Kriel’s radar. So when she found a lump while breastfeeding her son, she fobbed it off as a blocked milk duct.
She couldn’t have been more wrong. The blocked duct turned out to be Stage 3 breast cancer, and while Candice, wife of Lions rugby player Dan Kriel, found herself fighting the disease in a battle made more difficult by being in the midst of a pandemic, she also found hope in a determined vision she had … to bring a moment of joy to children with cancer.
‘No one ever sees it coming. Before my diagnosis, life was good and very busy. As a family, we travelled weekly between Joburg, where Dan was based with his rugby team, and our family farm near Camperdown, where we farm sugarcane, poultry and run a small guest house. I grew up in this house, what was not to love? Motherhood was great – the kids kept me on my toes … I thrived on being active, positive and happy.’
Then came the crushing blow. It was month before South Africa went into hard lockdown, and Dan was in New Zealand on a rugby tour.
‘It felt so surreal. There was no history of cancer in my family and I’d led a healthy life. I couldn’t understand how this could have happened to me.’
The biopsy revealed that the cancer was aggressive and 32-year-old Candice had to have a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
‘After receiving a diagnosis like that, you’re left with a lot of fear and uncertainty. Initially, I kept it from Dan as I wanted him to focus on his upcoming games. But lockdown was good to me, to us. With all sports cancelled, Dan came home and it gave us the chance to fight this together.’
Through all of it, the most important thing for Candice was to shelter their children, two-year-old Cruz and his sister, four-year-old Summer.
Doing her best to keep her spirits up, Candice spent lockdown with Dan and the kids on the farm, leaving only to fly up to Joburg for a night when she had her chemo sessions, then it was back to work the next day.
‘I remember how scary and lonely my first chemo was. Covid meant no company and I was devastated. I’m usually the strong one and Dan’s the big softy who wears his heart on his sleeve, but this was so overwhelming that I couldn’t stop crying. Eventually they called Dan to come and sit with me for a while. It was calming to have him with me and we bonded. This journey definitely has brought us closer.’
Candice also recalls her toughest session of chemo as one that tested her spirit and strength but ultimately gave deeper meaning to her life.
‘I thought it would get easier over time, but by my fifth session, I couldn’t handle the thought of another one. It was the first time I took two days off work. It was also the moment I realised I had a greater purpose.’
‘Childhood cancer was something I never ever really thought of, but after my mastectomy and during treatment, I was shocked by the number of children I saw receiving treatment for cancer.’
Around that time Candice also received a special delivery at home and recalls, after everything she’d been through, the excitement and joy it brought her when she opened it. She then thought how special it would be to see a child’s face light up with joy when they received a gift and Happy Bundles came to life … a non-profit organization founded by the couple that brings a little joy to children with cancer.
‘We find out what each child likes, loves or is obsessed with and then I go on my missions, dropping the gifts off at a local retirement home that’s close to my heart. They help me box, wrap and pray over each bundle before it is delivered, so it’s all a very special process. We’ve been going for almost a year and so far have reached about 100 children, including a handful of international patients, and the requests keep coming.’
Candice and Dan are appealing to the public for support, through sponsorship, no matter how big or small, in order to make a difference to give back what cancer has taken away.
‘We’re also looking to team up with organisations or companies that can help with making children’s dreams come true, from a helicopter ride, to something as simple as riding a horse or swimming with the dolphins. Anything is welcomed and appreciated.’
Although the Kriels are embarking on a move to America in November as Dan has a three-year contract with the Seattle Sea Wolves Rugby Union, and there’s a wonderful farming opportunity for them off season, Candice, will continue running Happy Bundles abroad with the help of friends locally. She also hopes to help with any international requests she gets.
Just before going to print Candice took to Facebook with a really excited and positive message. This is what it read…
‘No more injections for me! I don’t have the words to describe this feeling. It’s been the longest journey and my poor body has been through so much pain but I’m finally done with treatment. Cancer, you never stood a chance with me but thank you for changing me and my life! If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be spoiling all our Happy Bundles angels. I have scans next week to check if I am cancer-free, but I already know I am and I’m just going to enjoy every single minute from here.’
Details: happybundles.co.za
CREDITS
Photographs: Troy Bishop Photography, 083 252 2241, FB: @troybishopphotography,
IG: @ troybishop_photo
Dress: Amanda Ferri Showroom
