Chengetai Nyamande’s fight for equity in cancer care

At just 16 years old, Chengetai Nyamande’s life took a dramatic turn. Diagnosed with aggressive nasopharyngeal cancer at an age when most teens were focused on school, friends and carefree days, she was thrust into a battle for survival, that came with lifelong altering side effects including a speech disability.

“Sometimes I find myself navigating a room full of people who judge me based on how I talk, without knowing my story. It’s something I was not born with which is beyond my control,” Nyamande said.

Yet what could have silenced her became a catalyst for resilience and purpose. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Nyamande quickly understood the inequalities many go through in life. This was not just in health care, but in basic needs as well. Witnessing these disparities shaped her belief in equity and access for all.

“We have very limited health care infrastructure,” she said. “I had to go and seek treatment in South Africa, and not many people have the financial circumstances. Being able to see the differences and opportunities made me believe in equity,” she said.

She adds that cancer’s impact goes far beyond treatment. It also affects the body, mind, finances, and entire families, reminding her that the journey doesn’t end when treatment does. For Nyamande, survivorship brought its own challenges. “There’s another battle after the cancer treatment, but survivors often feel unheard,” she said.

That realization inspired her to build a community where no one has to navigate the journey alone. Born from her own experiences, she founded the Rise Above Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy and support for those affected by cancer. The organization is built on three core pillars: education, advocacy and community outreach.

“Engaging with people in communities, hearing people’s stories, and asking ‘How can we help you?’ has made the biggest difference,” she said.

“The vision I had has come to life. People tell me they’re inspired and motivated. My personal story has helped guide others through their own journeys. It’s a reminder that the pain I went through has been transformed into purpose.”

All of this taught her patience, empathy and what it’s like to have to work harder to be heard. These are the same qualities that now shape her leadership, which she’s learned is less about perfection and more about impact.

Currently part of the AstraZeneca Eureka Fellowship for Changemakers in Canada and enrolled in the MBA program at DeGroote School of Business, Nyamande sees the degree as a vital tool for growth. “I’m happy to be part of this program. It’s helping me strengthen my financial, strategic and leadership skills. It’s real-world learning, with resources and networks to grow professionally.”

Her vision is clear: “This MBA will help me scale Rise Above Cancer into a powerful global organization. I want to use my voice and influence to help with advocacy, not just within the hospital system but beyond it.”

When asked what advice she would give young people facing illness or hardship, Nyamande reflects:

“You are more than your illness, more than your adversity. Your illness may shape your journey, but it doesn’t define your worth. Resilience grows in adversity and it’s okay to ask for help because none of us are meant to walk on these journeys alone.”

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<p>At just 16 years old, Chengetai Nyamande’s life took a dramatic turn. Diagnosed with aggressive nasopharyngeal cancer at an age when most teens were focused on school, friends and carefree days, she was thrust into a battle for survival, that came with lifelong altering side effects including a speech disability.</p> <p>“Sometimes I find myself navigating a room full of people who judge me based on how I talk, without knowing my story. It’s something I was not born with which is beyond my control,” Nyamande said.</p> <p>Yet what could have silenced her became a catalyst for resilience and purpose. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Nyamande quickly understood the inequalities many go through in life. This was not just in health care, but in basic needs as well. Witnessing these disparities shaped her belief in equity and access for all.</p> <p>“We have very limited health care infrastructure,” she said. “I had to go and seek treatment in South Africa, and not many people have the financial circumstances. Being able to see the differences and opportunities made me believe in equity,” she said.</p> <p>She adds that cancer’s impact goes far beyond treatment. It also affects the body, mind, finances, and entire families, reminding her that the journey doesn’t end when treatment does. For Nyamande, survivorship brought its own challenges. “There’s another battle after the cancer treatment, but survivors often feel unheard,” she said.</p> <p>That realization inspired her to build a community where no one has to navigate the journey alone. Born from her own experiences, she founded the <a href="https://riseabovecancer.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rise Above Cancer Foundation</a>, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy and support for those affected by cancer. The organization is built on three core pillars: education, advocacy and community outreach.</p> <blockquote><p>“Engaging with people in communities, hearing people’s stories, and asking ‘How can we help you?’ has made the biggest difference,” she said.</p></blockquote> <p>“The vision I had has come to life. People tell me they’re inspired and motivated. My personal story has helped guide others through their own journeys. It’s a reminder that the pain I went through has been transformed into purpose.”</p> <p>All of this taught her patience, empathy and what it’s like to have to work harder to be heard. These are the same qualities that now shape her leadership, which she’s learned is less about perfection and more about impact.</p> <p>Currently part of the <a href="https://www.astrazeneca.ca/en/sustainability/eureka-fellowship.html#!" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AstraZeneca Eureka Fellowship for Changemakers in Canada</a> and enrolled in the MBA program at DeGroote School of Business, Nyamande sees the degree as a vital tool for growth. “I’m happy to be part of this program. It’s helping me strengthen my financial, strategic and leadership skills. It’s real-world learning, with resources and networks to grow professionally.”</p> <p>Her vision is clear: “This MBA will help me scale Rise Above Cancer into a powerful global organization. I want to use my voice and influence to help with advocacy, not just within the hospital system but beyond it.”</p> <p>When asked what advice she would give young people facing illness or hardship, Nyamande reflects:</p> <blockquote><p>“You are more than your illness, more than your adversity. Your illness may shape your journey, but it doesn’t define your worth. Resilience grows in adversity and it’s okay to ask for help because none of us are meant to walk on these journeys alone.”</p></blockquote>

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