A cancer patient whose disease robbed her of the chance to carry her own children has become a mother — after her best friend offered to be her surrogate.
Amy Cronjé, now 33, was given a shock breast cancer diagnosis shortly after she married her husband, Roché, 35.
Despite being given the all clear following radiation and chemotherapy, a routine check-up a year later found the disease had returned and spread to her bones.
As part of her treatment, the speech therapist was put on hormone medication, drastically reducing her chance of ever conceiving.
But after discovering Mrs Cronjé, who had always wanted to be a mum, was exploring using a surrogate, Karla Steenekamp immediately volunteered.
Amy Cronjé, now 33, was given a shock breast cancer diagnosis shortly after she married her husband, Roché, 35. Pictured, Mrs Cronjé with best friend Karla Steenekamp
As part of Mrs Cronjé’s treatment, the speech therapist was put on hormone medication, drastically reducing her chance of ever conceiving. Pictured, Mrs Cronjé, husband Roché, with Karla Steenekamp and Tjaart after Jack’s birth
After successful IVF , in June the 31-year-old — who already has two sons of her own — gave birth to a baby boy, Jack
After successful IVF, in June the 31-year-old — who already has two sons of her own — gave birth to a baby boy, Jack.
Recalling her shock diagnosis, Mrs Cronjé said: ‘I cried for so many nights.
‘The cancer had spread to my bones and doctors put me on hormone medication.
‘I felt like all our plans were gone.’
One in seven women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime — around 56,000 a year — making it the most common cancer in the UK.
The figure stands at roughly 300,000 annually in the US.
Between 85 to 90 per cent of women diagnosed with primary breast cancer survive more than five years.
However, secondary breast cancer — or stage four — which accounts for around 16 per cent of all breast cancers in the UK and US, is far more difficult.
It means the cancer, that started in the breast has spread to another part of the body, commonly the liver, lungs, brain or bones.
After discovering Mrs Cronjé, who had always wanted to be a mum, was exploring using a surrogate, Karla Steenekamp immediately volunteered
Mrs Cronjé froze her embryos before her first chemotherapy treatment in the hope of later using a surrogate
Around a quarter of women with secondary breast cancer will survive their cancer for five years or more after they are diagnosed, according to Cancer Research UK.
Both chemotherapy and hormone therapy can impact fertility, making it harder to get pregnant.
But hormone therapies may block or suppress hormones, causing infertility by putting a woman into early menopause.
Mrs Cronjé froze her embryos before her first chemotherapy treatment in the hope of later using a surrogate.
When Mrs Steenekamp and her husband Tjaart, 34, discovered the couple were exploring using a surrogate, they offered to help.
‘I didn’t have to think twice. I felt the Lord put it in my path and being a mother is wonderful,’ Mrs Steenekamp said.
Mrs Steenekamp then began daily hormone injections to prepare her body and in October 2023, the embryo was implanted. Fortunately, IVF was successful on the first attempt. Pictured, Mrs Cronjé and husband Roché
‘I wanted to give that gift to my friend.’
She was assessed by a gynaecologist before both couples undertook the necessary legalities including parental orders.
Mrs Steenekamp then began daily hormone injections to prepare her body and in October 2023, the embryo was implanted.
Fortunately, IVF was successful on the first attempt.
She said: ‘Tjaart was fully supportive from the beginning.
‘He said he saw how much joy our children bring us. Why wouldn’t we grant it to someone else?
‘My youngest son kissed my belly every morning and night and said hello to Aunty Amy’s baby.’
On June 9 she welcomed a baby boy who was named Jack Bruce.
Symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include lumps and swellings, dimpling of the skin, changes in colour, discharge and a rash or crusting around the nipple
Checking your breasts should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes. Simply rub and feel from top to bottom, in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to identify any abnormalities
Mrs Cronjé said she and Mrs Steenekamp were no longer friends, but sisters.
Despite still undergoing cancer treatment, she remains optimistic.
She added: ‘It was such a special moment for both of us.’
‘To see that little body and to know you’ve overcome great obstacles and can call yourself a mother thanks to your friend… it’s precious.
‘Karla and I have a very unique friendship.
‘You could almost say we’re no longer friends – we’re sisters now.
She added: ‘It was my greatest desire to become a mother. I didn’t think it would be possible but Karla made it a reality.
‘It was wonderful to know my friend was willing to sacrifice so much for me.
‘We will always be in each other’s lives. I am deeply grateful to her for what she’s done.’
