The family of celebrity chef Fatima Sydow says they’re overwhelmed and humbled by the public’s support. She is currently in hospital where she battles with stage 4 cancer. Over half a million rand has already been raised to help the 49-year-old in her fight. Fatima’s sister Hadjira Sydow (52) has told Smile FM that they can now move forward with radiation therapy.
“I am extremely emotional just thinking about it. We can now move forward, with the overwhelming support from everyone all over South Africa, and all over the world. I just got off the phone with her this morning. The scan showed that there is cancer now in her brain, and down the arms. On Sunday, they will start with radiation on the brain and the arms.”
@hadjirasydow @farzanasydow10 Shukran for this my baby❤️❤️
WHAT THE MONEY WILL BE USED FOR
The funds will also be used to purchase a hospital bed, for when Fatima is discharged. The well-loved Cape Malay cook was diagnosed with stage 4 Soft Tissue Sarcoma Cancer. She says the family never envisioned they would be receiving this amount of donations in mere days. A Backabuddy account was launched at the weekend, after Fatima took to social media, to make an emotional plea for help from her loyal fans.
“She never expected that it would be so overwhelming for her, personally. She is grateful for the amazing support, love and contributions. We are speechless. Every minute of the day, (the figure) just grows and grows.”
PLANS FOR THE TWINS’ UPCOMING 50TH BIRTHDAY
Fatima and her twin sister, Gadija Sydow-Noordien will be celebrating their 50th birthday on the 12th of November 2023. They are already putting plans in place to make it a memorable celebration.
“Fatima’s plan is to have a ‘80s party where all of us, the sisters, the grandchildren, the great-grandkids are going to dress up. We are actually going to have a dress-up ‘80s competition.”