Athlone mother completes masters degree during cancer battle to give her children hope - IOL

Megan Brink at her graduation ceremony.

When Megan Brink was diagnosed with cancer, she could see the worry on her children’s faces. Rather than abandon her master’s degree, the Athlone mother continued studying through chemotherapy, determined to give them some reassurance that she would be OK.

The 43-year-old from Hazendal, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma in August 2025, graduated on October 9, 2026, after a five-year journey to complete her qualification. Now in full remission, Brink says finishing her studies became about much more than earning a degree.

Brink’s symptoms began with unexplained bruising, persistent fatigue, and chest problems. Initially, she blamed exhaustion on working full-time, studying, and raising her children.

After several medical consultations and treatments for chest infections and bronchitis, an X-ray revealed fluid on her lungs. Further investigations uncovered a mass in her chest.

“When I heard the diagnosis, I didn’t react. I was just happy to have an answer, because for months no one could give me any answers or solutions,” she said.

The reality hit harder when her hair began falling out during treatment.

“Standing in the shower watching hair float around my feet, hair sticking to every part of my body. I cried so much; my shower saw many tears others did not,” she recalled.

Megan Brink celebrates earning her Master’s degree.

Brink said she underwent six rounds of R-CHOP chemotherapy before starting radiation treatment in the new year. Chronic fatigue and a reduced appetite made daily life difficult.

Despite this, she continued studying for her Master’s in Education, Adult Learning and Global Change, determined to reassure her children.

“I picked up my studies during my treatment because I needed my kids to see that I would be OK. I could see the worry on their faces. We needed normalcy; our home didn’t need to be sombre and sad,” she said.

Her qualification took five years instead of the planned three. After her diagnosis, she considered giving up, but completing her studies became a symbol of resilience.

“It was about being able to achieve the degree while going through a dark and difficult time, while staring death in the face,” she said.

Brink’s sister stayed with her and her children, managing their schedules and routines, while her three brothers helped with logistics. Friends and family provided meals and practical support.

“People prayed for us, and that mattered most to me,” she said.

Brink graduated on Friday, 9 October, and was grateful to be back at work and able to spend time with her children.

“I get a second chance at life, and it cannot go wasted,” she said.

Megan Brink's children, Lily-Grace, 16, and Charlie Rose, 4.

Alongside treatment, Brink changed her diet, opting for anti-inflammatory foods, cutting out sugar, reducing carbohydrates, and eating more greens.

Chemotherapy affected her appetite so severely that she relied largely on smoothies and fluids. Even drinking water sometimes made her feel sick, so she drank lemon- and cucumber- infused water.

She also limited contact with others because treatment had compromised her immune system, she said.

Brink’s sister stayed with her and her children, managing their schedules and routines, while her three brothers helped with logistics. Friends and family provided meals and practical support.

“People prayed for us, and that mattered most to me,” she said.

Brink graduated on Friday, October 9, and was grateful to be back at work and able to spend time with her children.

“I get a second chance at life, and it cannot go wasted,” she said.