Yavi Madurai: Cancer Survivor

It’s strange, how in a single brief moment in time, with only a few words spoken, one’s life can change so completely. Suddenly all you know, trust and rely upon, Yavi Madurai plummeted into the depths of the unknown. This is precisely what happened to self- professed 33 year old, “control freak”, Yavi Madurai. On […]

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • **Fee range: On Request

It’s strange, how in a single brief moment in time, with only a few words spoken, one’s life can change so completely. Suddenly all you know, trust and rely upon, Yavi Madurai plummeted into the depths of the unknown. This is precisely what happened to self- professed 33 year old, “control freak”, Yavi Madurai. On […]

It’s strange, how in a single brief moment in time, with only a few words spoken, one’s life can change so completely. Suddenly all you know, trust and rely upon, Yavi Madurai plummeted into the depths of the unknown.

This is precisely what happened to self- professed 33 year old, “control freak”, Yavi Madurai.

On the 14th of November 2003, at 15h02, her doctor uttered those words, “It’s breast cancer”. As life around her continued on as normal, the earth still spinning on its axis, people still going about their daily lives, hers came to a painful, grinding halt.

Hopes, dreams and wishes seemed far away now – especially those of becoming a mother.
What followed in the next two weeks, she can only describe as a “Brown Blur” – A surreal experience of living in the limbo between brown medical buildings, carrying brown envelopes containing test results.

Soon this muted hue seemed to seep into every aspect of her life, staining her days with sorrow. But a bright reprieve was to soon emerge from the depths of this monochromatic existence, coming in the form of another cancer patient.

Yavi Madurai is grateful for every new day and loves getting up in the morning. “I feel alive and know that I am now living in the moment” story acted as a catalyst for Yavi, triggering a metamorphosis within her. And like the seasons bring about the change from caterpillar to butterfly, so the new Yavi was born.

Yavi Madurai | Inspiring Motivation

Previously her life had been lived in the fast lane, ambitious, driven and always on the go. She never stopped to appreciate the beauty contained within the tiny moments between life.

But now, Yavi had been presented with the precious gift of choice. It was as if her cancer said, “hey listen, wake up, value it”.

She began to view the world through different lenses, counting her blessings for the things she had previously taken for granted.

She decided that her greatest weapon against cancer would be a positive attitude. Even through the physical and psychological devastation of a partial mastectomy and the aggressive courses of chemotherapy and radiation, her positivity was unwavering.

Yavi Madurai soon discovered the undeniable, yet inexplicable power of the mind-body-connection, as her new attitude began to have a marked effect on her recovery.

But perhaps Yavi Madurai is grateful for every new day and loves getting up in the morning. “I feel alive and know that I am now living in the moment” greatest gift came from the “Moments in Time” project, which made her see her cancer as a gift from God. This knowledge allowed her to find profound meaning, in what was once a seemingly senseless struggle.

Cancer was no longer a burden under which she stumbled and faltered. Rather, it was a second chance at life.

And then, as if by some act of universal synchronicity, Yavi was granted her greatest wish, giving birth to a beautiful baby girl in October, breast cancer month.

This survivor had come full circle, from fighting for her life, to giving new life.

She believes that her cancer not only prepared her for the challenges of motherhood, but also gave her a priceless heirloom, a legacy that could be passed onto her daughter; the fundamental values she learnt, that so wholly transformed her life.

Today, Yavi Madurai is grateful for every new day and loves getting up in the morning. “I feel alive and know that I am now living in the moment”

Branding solutions and Reputation Management
Brand positioning and reputation management go hand in hand and serve as the heart of the Marketing and or Communications strategy of any company which in effect is the foundation of that company. At BBT, we have a passion for brand management solutions and ensuring a company’s reputation is managed efficiently

  •     Brand strategy development
  •     Brand positioning
  •     Marketing strategy
  •     Communications strategy
  •     Media Relations
  •     Brand design and brand architecture
  •     Brand Loyalty analysis
  •     Market research and surveys
  •     Reputation Management strategy and planning
  •     Online media strategy and planning including Social Media

Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel 

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent Resources to download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links

View further speakers

Ferial Haffajee is a South African editor and journalist. She is currently editor-at-large, Huffington Post SA and also editor of the African National Centers for Investigative Reporting (ANCIR) and is a researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute. Previously, Ferial was editor-in-chief at the Mail and Guardian and City Press.  She is a regular analyst […]

  • Current Affairs

Kate Moodley is an accomplished business woman with a number of academic qualifications which includes a Masters in Law. She began her career in legal but quickly moved into the financial services industry and insurance in particular. Kate has gone from strength to strength starting as a Candidate Attorney with Deneys Reitz. She became a […]

  • Business Leadership

Sisanda Henna is the winner of the 2003 Best Actor in Drama duku duku award, who has acted in more than 35 international and local  film and television productions. Brought up in rural Eastern Cape and an over achiever at school, Henna started out writing and performing comedy skits before landing leading roles in prime […]

  • Event Emcee

Alex Harris is a name synonymous with fearless exploration and unparalleled determination. Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of South Africa, Harris has carved his legacy as an esteemed mountaineer and extreme athlete. His remarkable feats include leading a groundbreaking expedition that achieved a world-first: traversing the daunting expanse of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) […]

  • Adventurer Speaker

Professor Piet Naude regularly speaks at business and civil society conferences and has done consulting work for national and international listed companies on issues of ethics and governance. He holds an MA in Philosophy (cum laude) and a Doctoral degree in Theology from the University of Stellenbosch. He is a Professor of Ethics and former […]

  • Ethics Speaker

Nico Panagio was born and bred in a beautiful little village known as Pretoria. After matriculation at Pretoria Boys High School, Nico went on to complete his military service in the South African Navy. He was appointed the Captain of his Division and was ranked Able Seaman. Following 5 years in the corporate industry as […]

  • Celebrity Emcee

Dr. Miriam Altman is recognised as a leading economist, strategist, thought leader and a passionate communicator. She has extensive proven experience in charting uncertainty and achieving great things in difficult circumstances. She speaks on the future of the South African economy, why South Africa needs a “China Strategy” and more broadly on economic strategy in […]

  • Economic Speaker
  • (1 reviews)

Nzinga Qunta is a business news anchor with over a decade of experience in radio and television. She is currently anchoring SABC News’ flagship business news bulletin, OnPoint, where she focuses on the top business news stories from across the world and speaks to a range of decision makers on the top stories of the day. She works on radio on […]

  • Business Emcee
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel