Lizelle Knott – Founder of “This is Me” – Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer thriver and lymphoma survivor, boy mom and opacarophile…
Cancer sneaked into Liz’s world at the age of 16 when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins B-Cell Lymphoma in her chest cavity. 10 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy and a new GI Jane hairdo later, and she was thankfully in remission…
Fast forward 17 years and she received her 2nd cancer diagnosis, this time stage 2 estrogen receptive breast cancer in her right breast. A unilateral mastectomy, immediate reconstruction, 6 cycles of TC chemotherapy and once again she was in remission.
But, that wasn’t to be the last time she’d hear the dreaded words: it’s cancer. Since then it’s recurred another 5 times metastasising to her liver, and most recently her scapula. Numerous chemo and radiation cycles, 2 liver resections, right kidney removal, medical menopause and the list goes on and on.
Through the years Lizelle has come to accept that cancer and doctors visits, blood tests, scans and treatment will always be part of her world. But it certainly doesn’t stop her from being a mommy, partner, career woman, or social butterfly.
She grabs every opportunity that comes her way with both hands, and make the most of whatever life throws her way. Because, after all, attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure!
Liz has learnt to embrace her scars and love herself exactly how she is despite her diagnosis and treatments. She now shares her story in the hopes that it’ll inspire and motivate others to persevere on their own journeys, and prove to everyone that there definitely is life during, and after cancer.
“If anything, my cancer has given me the courage to be ME!!”
Lizelle Knott founder of “This is Me Apparel
Love My Bay chats to Lizelle Knott:
How did the “This is Me” business concept start?
LK: I think the most important thing I want to get across is that it’s not a “business” but rather a Cancer Sisterhood. I don’t want people thinking I’m trying to capitalize off of their illness.
Being a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer thriver, and living with cancer since 2014 has given me quite a bit of insight into how lonely a journey it can be. The idea is to create a cancer sisterhood where we can share our stories and hopefully touch the lives of others going through similar journeys. And show them that there’s life during and after cancer. Motivate them to persevere on their journeys.
To encourage patients, survivors and thrivers to love themselves as they are, regardless of their hair loss, or scars or whatever baggage they may be carrying. I believe there is a massive need for this especially in our Bay.
What do you hope to see happening for “This is Me” in the next year?
LK: My dream is to eventually organise events throughout SA that patients and thrivers can attend. These events will have motivational speakers, maybe a make-up artist to show us how to do our make-up when we’ve lost our eyebrows or lashes, or are dealing with beautiful round “moon” faces while going through treatment.
Maybe have a photographer on hand taking beautiful photos of the ladies. Someone advising us on healthy eating, and how to remain physically active.
Any advice you want to share with other cancer thrivers / survivers that you find makes a difference for you mentally and physically?
LK: I’ve come to realise how important it is to keep exercising, and the benefits it has while going through treatment. Research has also shown that it can lower your chances of recurrence. But if other thrivers are anything like me, they may be physically challenged when it comes to exercising.
I’ve had 2 liver resections and had my kidney removed, which means my tummy muscles have taken a serious knock. My right axilla has had numerous surgeries resulting in me not having complete mobility in it. And I definitely don’t have the heart or lungs of a 42 year old.
Going to the gym is extremely daunting for me, so instead I enjoy walks along the promenade. I want to encourage other ladies to keep moving too and provide them with a “safe space” in which to do it surrounded by other thrivers. It also gives them the opportunity to socialise a bit afterwards.
Any exciting new projects that “This is Me” has been involved in recently?
LK: Last Saturday I hosted my first “BOUNCE BACK” with “THIS IS ME” event. I teamed up with 3 phenomenal rebounding instructors and we had a blast! Although there weren’t any cancer thrivers there, it was well supported and I know with time it’ll reach the correct market.We’re planning to do these every two months.
Any future projects you want to mention?
LK: I have a “pay it forward” idea which I’d still like to launch, where we collect basic toiletries and make up cancer care bags for oncology patients at Livingstone hospital. We’ll soon be adding “feel good” tees and branded caps to the range. And we have plans for post-surgery clothing items too.
The future looks bright and exciting for my little “passion project” and I just know it’s going to add value to other’s lives!
What product ranges do to currently stock and where can people find them?
Our online store is up and running for our comfy leggings and the chemo port shirts.
The idea behind the leggings is to provide comfy, pretty items that thrivers can wear while spending long hours in the chemo chair, or while they’re keeping active. The port shirt idea came from my own experiences with my chemo port and always having to worry about wearing something that allows the nursing staff to access it easily, and still keep warm. It can get chilly in those chemo rooms so this keeps comfort and warmth levels stable without causing any restrictions to the treatments being administered.
Are the items made locally providing employment?
LK: All our items are made by a sublimation company in the valley called Da Funk Sublimated Apparel, which is owned by the man in my life! It’s thanks to him that THIS IS ME finally got off the ground. Greg and I work together on all our designs, and his lovely team of ladies are responsible for manufacturing them for me.
Which media lines do you find generates the most business?
LK: Facebook has been extremely powerful in making people aware of our brand and the sisterhood. All product orders are done directly through our website.
Where do you hope to see your business in 5 years
LK: I’d really love THIS IS ME to become a well known, trusted, “safe space” within the cancer circle nationally. Hopefully by then our events will have reached the other regions, and our products and care bags will be helping many ladies and brightening their lives!
To check out more about “This is Me”or to order any of their products please visit the below links:
Website • Facebook • Instagram
Love My Bay loves connecting with our local community – read more interviews : Carla Hazel from Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit • Interview with Ali Ncume • Lorna and Rikus Romer from Scope Oils
