Ilse-Mari Hanekom (now Hodgskiss) (32), also known from the Big Brother South Africa fame, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February 2008. This was only two weeks after she got engaged.

With the support of her family, friends, fiancé, her religion and her high spirits, she endured the side effects of her chemotherapy and was cleared in June 2008.

Since then, her approach to life has changed.  She cherishes her loved ones and lives each day to the full.  Her recent wedding is testimony to it.


She is an ardent hiker who frequents the magnificent Drakensberg and Lesotho mountain ranges. 

Ilse-Mari will embark on this expedition of Mount Kilimanjaro, celebrating every day she is granted health, spirit and laughter, carrying a message of hope to the summit on behalf of other Lymphoma survivors.

She was, is and will always be the ULTIMATE SURVIVOR! (or is it HOUSEMATE?)