Jhb West - Nov 24

But, here’s the twist. Jenna-Mae also
has Type 1 diabetes. It’s not reversible
and it doesn’t get better. For those
who are not doctors or sufferers,
Type 1 diabetes is not purely genetics
and you cannot bring it about with
sweeties. And so, Cherise urges
parents to take their child or loved
one for a simple HbA1c test at any lab,
GP or clinic if they have any concerns.
Jenna-Mae also has a Diabetic Alert
Dog (DAD) named Isla. A qualified,
registered and very well-trained
medical assistant to sense when
Jenna-Mae’s blood sugar drops.
When a type 1 diabetic goes low, it
is very dangerous as they can have
seizures or fall into a coma. Isla is
a superhero in the van der Vyver
household, often detecting lows
long before any device can.
‘It’s so sad because she is often not
allowed in places or treated very
poorly even though legislation
permits these life-changing service
dogs,’ Cherise added.
Luckily, the Krugersdorp community
is getting to know Isla, and people
are becoming more aware of the
incredible role service dogs play …
not just for the blind, but for those
with diabetes or epilepsy, to name
just a few.
Even though it’s not always easy
keeping an eye on a four-year-old
diabetic … it has brought their
family a lot of gratitude over the past
few years. And, it’s never stopped
them from living their best lives,
either. In fact, Cherise is big on not
passing down fears or doubts to her
daughter. She wants Jenna-Mae to
face the world confidently. And, she
leads by example!
She spent years in tourism, then
became a photographer, and now
she’s a financial adviser. She loves
helping people understand their
finances because, let’s face it, many of
us feel overwhelmed by it all. Cherise
can relate. She’s been there, and now
she enjoys giving back and guiding
others through the financial maze.
‘I finally feel like I am where I should
be. So, to everyone out there, it is
never too late to change careers or
study again. Yes, it is harder as you get
older, but don’t give up on finding
your place in this world.’
Her photography business, which she
started a decade ago, has become
more of a hobby these days, but
it still brings her immense joy. She
still loves capturing moments and
editing photos. And if she’s being
honest, she doesn’t think she’ll ever
stop taking photos.
When she’s not spending time with
her family, working or taking pics,
she runs. And she’s taken up some
serious marathons too. Including the
Kaapshehoop Marathon, her most
challenging yet most beloved race.
She recalls one year when she wasn’t
fully prepared, but with the help of
her friend Lelani, she managed to
finish, just two minutes too late to
qualify for the Comrades Marathon.
Tough, but totally worth it.
How does she do it all? Like many
mommies … Cherise often wonders
the same thing.
‘I do believe that God gives me the
time and energy I need to complete
what’s important, and when life gets
overwhelming, I know it’s time to refill
6 Things she wants Mae to know
1. You are good enough.
2. Life isn’t perfect. Nothing is. It’s not supposed to be.
3. Save. Save for now, save for emergencies and save for old age.
4. Take care of your body. You only have one.
5. Trust that little voice in your head.
6. Nothing you do, can change God’s love for you.
3 Ingredient cloud dough recipe
If you like making homemade playdough with your little one, Cherise highly recommends
this recipe. It’s super silky, fluffy and scented … and has a nice stretch,
too. Perfect for school holidays.
You’ll need: ½ cup conditioner of your choice, 1 cup cornstarch and a drop
of colourant.
To make: Mix it together well and you will have fluffy nice smelling playdough in
no time. Enjoy!
Quick and easy, sugar-free low-carb brownies
Perfect for T1 and T2 diabetics!
my own cup before carrying on.’
This is exactly why she founded
Ladies in Business just over two years
ago … a community to empower
other women juggling careers,
motherhood, and everything else. She
wanted to create a safe space to learn,
share, and support each other, and of
course, to pray together, whether it’s
in their business or personal capacity.
So, what’s next for Cherise? Well, for
now, she’s got her hands full juggling
family life, running marathons,
empowering women, and helping
people make sense of their finances
… but she wouldn’t want it any
other way.
She’s on a mission to live fully and
authentically, and her journey is a
reminder that with a bit of hard work,
a lot of love, and a dash of faith, we
can truly shape the life, and children
we want … one step and one day at
a time.
Details: Follow @Cherise Brady
Photography and @Freckles & Co.
on Facebook
You’ll need: 1 cup melted butter; ½ cup cocoa powder; 1.5 cups Xylitol (2 if you
like it sweet); 4 large eggs; 1 cup of flour; whipped cream.
To make: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Mix butter with cocoa powder. Add Xylitol and eggs and mix well.
Gently fold in flour or flour alternative. Bake into a lined or greased 20cm dish for
20-25 minutes.
And, voila! Serve with whipped cream.
November 2024 Get It Magazine 15