When Mona Angers was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2021 and contracted Covid-19 a few months later, all odds were against her and doctors had little hope that she would make it, but Anger believes God spared her life so she could continue to make a difference in the lives of senior citizens.
Angers (57), General Manager at Kensington Old Age Home, says she started working at the home at the age of 22.
“Back then, the older residents would call me and ask me to read them a scripture from the Bible. I would make time and sit with them. They would always say “God bless you, my child”. And at the time it didn’t mean much to me. Only in the latter years of my life, I realised how meaningful and the weight that those blessings carry.”
Angers says she left the home in 2012, but explains that her love and passion for the elderly never faded.
Angers explains that her health took a turn for the worse two years ago.
“I started not feeling well in December 2020. In January 2021, I went to the doctor. I was immediately admitted to the hospital, where they discovered it was high-grade ovarian cancer. It affected me to the extent that I was in bed for nine months.
“In mid-January 2021, I underwent a six-hour operation to remove cancer. I had water in my lungs, I could barely breathe and I lost a lot of weight. I could not complete the chemotherapy treatment because of the effect it had on my bone marrow and white blood cells. I also contracted Covid-19 during this time. Doctors thought I would not survive because my lungs already took a knock.”
She believes her recovery journey was a divine intervention.
“I pulled through without being hospitalised for Covid-19. I pulled through my cancer journey without even having the proper chemotherapy treatment. Every time I went to the hospital my chemotherapy was postponed because my blood result was not right, doctors would say I am too weak and would die if they give me chemo.
“I was unwell to the extent that I could not do anything for myself. I would be rushed into the hospital with breathing problems. By August 2021, I had my last chemotherapy treatment. To this day doctors are amazed at my recovery.”
Angers says as difficult as it was, she remained hopeful.
“I never thought I would be able to work again. I was unemployed at the time of my illness. A month after my chemotherapy ended, I was approached by management at the home to come and assist. I’m now entering my second year back managing the home.
“I remember one day I was in the room in bed, I had no strength, and I just heard a voice speaking to me saying ‘I will restore you back to the workplace’. I didn’t even think that that would be true and months later I started working again at Kensington Home.”
The mother explains she also had to deal with the loss of her sister during this time.
“I am proud of the fact that I made it up until here. My sister didn’t make it. We were diagnosed seven months apart with same cancer. Between the two of us, I was ill, and everyone thought I was not going to make it. But thank God today I am the way I am through God’s hand.”
Angers believes caring for the elderly is her calling.
“Today I believe I have been raised for a time such as now. I am honoured that I can be part of the home and all its projects and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable older people. I will continue to do so for as long as God gives me the grace and strength.”
Angers says having a near-death experience prompted her to “live life to the full”.
Angers also shares a message with other cancer warriors.
“Never give up. Life and death are in God’s hands. The doctor looks at the diagnosis, scientific evidence and medical resources but God has the final say. You must stay positive. Support from family, church and the wider community is very important. Cancer can strike you like a death sentence, but if you have God on your side and a good support system, it doesn’t have to be that way.”
