Lisa Koppel cancer battle: Family looked beyond SA for hope
· The South African
The family of Lisa Koppel has revealed how they searched for hope in South Africa and abroad during her nearly three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
Visit albergomalica.it for more information.
Koppel, the wife of South African singer Danny K, died at the age of 41.
Her family revealed this week that doctors diagnosed her with colorectal cancer in November 2023.
From that moment, Koppel and those closest to her pursued every possible opportunity available to them.
“Together with her family, she searched for hope in South Africa and around the world, pursuing every treatment and every opportunity available to her,” the family said.
“Tragically, despite everything, she could not be saved.”
Family searched for hope
The family did not disclose details about the treatments Koppel received or where she received care abroad.
However, they confirmed that healthcare professionals in South Africa and overseas cared for her during her illness.
“The family is deeply grateful to every doctor, nurse and healthcare professional who cared for Lisa throughout her journey, both in South Africa and abroad.”
Koppel fought the disease away from the public eye.
Her family said she deliberately kept her diagnosis private.
Why Lisa Koppel kept her illness private
Koppel did not want her cancer battle to attract public attention.
“Lisa chose to keep her illness private. She never wanted pity, attention or sympathy,” the family said.
Her children remained at the heart of that decision.
“Above all, she wanted to protect her children and preserve their happiness and innocence for as long as possible.”
The family described Koppel as gentle, humble and brave throughout her illness.
Family reveals reason for speaking out
The family has now revealed Koppel’s diagnosis for one reason: awareness.
Koppel had hoped to eventually use her own experience to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and early detection.
She never got the opportunity.
Her family will now continue that work in her name.
“Lisa hoped that one day she would use her experience to raise awareness of this disease and help others through early detection,” the family said.
The family also urged people with persistent symptoms to speak to a doctor and have them properly investigated.
Family left ‘shattered’
Koppel leaves behind Danny and their three children.
The Koppel and Gundelfinger families said her death had left them “shattered”.
They have asked for prayers, compassion and privacy as they grieve.
The family said Koppel’s illness would not define her.
Instead, they want her remembered for her kindness, humility, courage and devotion to those she loved.