A photograph of Mark Pilgrim proudly wearing “These are my fight socks, take back my life socks” trended on social media on Sunday in response to news of the veteran radio and TV presenter’s death at the age of 53.
Pilgrim was determined to win his fight against stage 4 lung cancer when he was diagnosed in 2022, after 33 years in remission.
South Africans believed he would, too. Even when he spoke about his “depleted body” and looking like “a shrivelled pea”, a month ago, they reminded him that he was an inspiration for being open about his journey, appreciating the simple things in life like sitting in the garden, enjoying the sunshine and never giving up.
Pilgrim admitted in his posts, that while he smiled in every photo, he was in pain and often battled to catch his breath. But he soldiered on.
“One day at a time. Step by step the healing happens,” he said.
According to a research study, Estimating the Burden of Cancer in SA, cancer rates are likely to double to 121,000 by 2030.
Despite his deteriorating condition, Pilgrim and so many fans believed he would ultimately recover. News of his passing begged the question, how could such a high-spirited, talented and really “nice guy” succumb to cancer?
Sadly, SA’s cancer rate is growing.
According to a research study, Estimating the Burden of Cancer in SA, cancer rates are likely to double to 121,000 by 2030. Breast, cervical, prostate, lung, haematological and paediatric cancers are expected to surge, and one in nine individuals will develop cancer in their lifetime.
Cancer is the second leading cause of global mortality.
Last month on World Cancer Awareness Day, the national health department urged South Africans to go for regular cancer screening and testing for early detection, prevention, risk reduction and successful treatment.
As tributes poured in for Pilgrim, it was clear that he inspired so many people to take on every fight valiantly, to savour the simple things and to love wholeheartedly — while educating the nation about cancer.
Pilgrim’s legacy, we hope, will inspire South Africans to be screened for cancer, not ignore their symptoms and to help those fighting their own valiant battle with the disease.
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