WATCH: Against the odds… Woman, maid share breast cancer survival story

Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
BEAUTY Banda’s story with the Mawira family began in 1992, when she joined their household as a young domestic helper.
Over the years, she became much more than an employee, evolving into a cherished member of the family, sharing in their lives, both the happy moments and the difficult times. Their bond, however, was truly tested in 2019.
Beauty, then 53, received a devastating diagnosis: breast cancer. In a cruel twist of fate, Raviro Mawira, now 58, was herself diagnosed with the same disease, forcing the two women to confront their fears and fight their battles side-by-side.
“Beauty is more than just a housekeeper; she’s a member of our family. When she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2019, I knew I had to be there for her.
She had to undergo a mastectomy and intense chemotherapy treatments. It was a lot to handle, both emotionally and financially,” Raviro recalls. “But I knew that I had to be there for her, just like she had been there for me for over three decades.
She was like family to me, and I couldn’t imagine going through such a difficult time without her by my side.”
Raviro herself was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer in 2022, adding another layer of complexity to their already challenging situation.
Despite the hardships they faced, both women fought bravely and emerged victorious.
As both of them embarked on their cancer journeys, the financial burden weighed heavily on them.
The cost of treatments, surgeries, and medication was high, and they were struggling to make ends meet as Raviro had lost her husband to myeloma cancer, popularly known as spinal cancer, in 2020.
Beauty did not hesitate to take extra jobs to help support her family and also cover their treatment expenses.
“The situation had now become bad. I looked at my condition and that of my boss, and I knew I had to step up and take on piece jobs so that I could help with some of the expenses,” she said.
Beauty’s sacrifice left an enduring mark, and Raviro’s heart continually overflows with thanks.
“I couldn’t believe the sacrifices she made for me. She worked tirelessly to ensure that I could afford the treatments I needed.
She was a true angel in my life, and I will forever be grateful for her kindness and selflessness.”
Their bond only grew stronger as they navigated the uncertainties of cancer treatment together. Beauty became a mother figure to Raviro’s four children, caring for them as if they were her own.
“We are not just house help and employers, we are sisters in arms. We have been through so much together, and our bond is unbreakable. Cancer may have tried to break us, but it only made us stronger,” said Beauty.

Cancer suvivors
Today, Raviro and Beauty are a living testimony to the power of love, resilience, and compassion. They have faced the darkest moments of their lives head-on and emerged victorious, proving that with faith and a strong support system, anything is possible.
As they look towards the future, Raviro and Beauty are filled with hope and gratitude. They are determined to make the most of their second chance at life, cherishing every moment and never taking anything for granted.
“We may have had our share of struggles, but we also have a lot to be thankful for. We are survivors, fighters, sisters in arms, and together we can conquer anything that comes our way,” Raviro says.
Comments