George, Western Cape

Hencoe Beukes

In 2018, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer. What followed was a journey I never imagined I would have to walk — countless treatments, chemotherapy, radiation, fear, uncertainty, and moments where simply getting through the day felt like an achievement. At the end of 2019, I received the news I had been praying for: I was declared in remission. But while the cancer was gone, the journey left lasting scars that aren’t always visible. The chemotherapy and radiation treatments took a toll on my mouth and teeth, and over the years I have lost many of my teeth. Something as simple as smiling became something I became conscious and ashamed of. My smile affects my confidence, my everyday life, and even the way I see myself. I have always believed that a smile makes a person's face. A smile can show happiness, confidence, warmth and life. But today, I often hide mine. I avoid smiling in photographs and sometimes find myself covering my mouth when I laugh. I do my best to look after my remaining teeth and take care of my oral health, but rebuilding my smile is something I simply cannot afford right now. I am incredibly grateful to be in remission and to still be here. I survived cancer. But now, I would love the opportunity to rebuild something that cancer and its treatment took from me — my smile and my confidence. This isn't just about having straight or beautiful teeth. It's about being able to smile freely again, laugh without embarrassment, look in the mirror and feel confident in the person looking back at me. After everything I've been through, I believe I deserve to smile again. Cancer took a lot from me, but it didn't take my hope. And I believe that one day, I'll be able to smile without hiding it.