“…It’s the gratitude you see in their eyes that makes me feel it is all worth it…”
Refilwe Esther Fosu-Amoah is the co-founder of Hope 4 Childhood Cancer also known as the HCC which was established in 2017. The objective of the NGO is firstly, to advocate for early diagnosis in children. Secondly, to ensure awareness around childhood cancers and their symptoms and lastly, to provide innovative platforms that will help tackle childhood cancers.
“Sadly some people still believe that cancer is a white man’s illness and for this reason most cancers are detected late” says Refilwe.
“Children are the future and adults have been entrusted to care for them therefore it is pivotal to make as many people aware and education is the world’s best weapon against cancer. I want to use my reign as Mrs. Galaxy SA 2022 to bring awareness and educate my community about childhood cancer” remarks Refilwe.
“It’s true, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as children’’ Mathew 19:14 & Luke 18:16
“Their pure innocence, overflowing love, unwarranted joy and unshaken hope have really changed me. It’s the gratitude you see in their eyes that makes me feel it is all worth it”, says Refilwe.
Refilwe also known as Esther is a recipient of Galaxy #BlackGirlMagic scholarship in which only 10 in total have been awarded globally. The scholarship affords black woman an opportunity to compete at the 20th Anniversary Galaxy International Pageant.
The scholarship program was established during the height of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. “The director of Galaxy International pageant, Mrs. Maria Torres wanted to offer a small contribution to women of colour around the world and give them a chance to compete on an international platform” says Esther.
The Galaxy pageant is a progressive platform that focusses on the future and challenges women to create a better tomorrow for themselves.
In 2019 Fosu-Amoah competed in Mrs. Universe in Playa del Carmen, Mexico where she was first runner up as well as in 2016 at Mrs. International in Florida, USA. One of her first big tittles was held in 2015 as Mrs. Tshwane. “The love for pageantry has always been there and my aunt even called me Naomi Campbell. I didn’t really pursue this interest much until tertiary and post marriage”, she mentions.
Mrs. Galaxy SA 2022 has been happily married to Yaw since 2009 and is a mother of 3. She was born in Dinokana village located in Lehurutshe in the North West however spent most of her schooling years in the City of Tshwane because of her parent’s employment.
“I was raised by a teacher who is my father and a nurse who is my mother and they offered me a happy childhood”. Esther says her mother Sylvia Masilo is the most influential person in her life. “I don’t think she knows how much I admire her and she is my true inspiration”.
Fosu-Amoah is a child of God devoted wife, loving mother and a philanthropist at heart. She will continue to advocate for childhood cancer even after her reign.
“Please support and follow my journey on social media @RefilweFosu on Instagram and Mrs Sub-Saharan Africa on Facebook. Any assistance or contribution with my upcoming trip to Galaxy International Pageant will also be greatly appreciated as I go to represent South African woman”.
“When a sleeping woman wakes up, she moves mountains and she becomes aware of her inner power. In elaboration, I want my life to be an alarm clock that wakes women up to start moving mountains and this we shall achieve side by side working together” concludes Refilwe Esther Fosu-Amoah.
By Sandra Lesenyeho
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