The Warrior Mom Cup: Celebrating South Africa's Unsung Heroes
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On JustGospel's Community Connections with Carlett, Shonise Ghani shared her inspiring journey as a warrior mom and the groundbreaking First Annual AVM Malformation Warrior Mom Cup and Awards Ceremony, November 30, 2025, at Balmoral Gardens.
A 16-Year Battle
Shonise's son Yazdan, now 16, was born with AVM (arteriovenous malformation)—a rare vascular tumor affecting blood and oxygen flow. His journey includes five operations, three stents, two rounds of chemo, heart disease, autism, and a broken leg requiring six months in a wheelchair.
For 16 years, Shonise questioned: "Why me?" But every time Yazdan faced pain, God blessed her with something powerful. Now she asks: "Why not me? God chose me in that garden to be Yazdan's parent."
Recent Crisis
Yazdan's tumor recently ruptured causing internal bleeding and requiring blood transfusion. Their doctor of six years said: "There's nothing more I can do." With the safety net pulled away, she's back at square one searching for medical knowledge scarce in South Africa.
From Brokenness to Legacy
Hospital stays provided time alone with God. Every night Shonise asked: "Am I strong enough?" Sixteen years later, they're still fighting—and Warrior Mom was born.
Discovering Yazdan's incredible artwork from non-verbal autism years, Shonise created warrior hampers for hospitalized children featuring his art on puzzles, coloring books, mugs, and hats. The warrior sneaker—a "magical shoe" designed for children fighting health battles—gives them superhero power to overcome.
Breaking the Silence
Many parents hide their children's journeys from embarrassment. Shonise chose differently: speaking openly healed her while educating communities. As "South Africa's first real-life superhero," she wears warrior mom armor on stage. Parents rush afterward asking: "How do you do this?"
Her answer: "I never gave up on Yazdan. Acceptance is the most valuable thing in your healing journey."
The Strength Formula
Train your mind to be stronger than emotions. Through Muslim prayer, she asks God daily for strength. "He chose me for the battlefield, so He's giving me all the armor I need." She practices rest, eating, and laughter—God's joy is her strength.
When stress overwhelms, she surrenders: "God, I'm giving you the problems." Things fall into place when she releases control.
Historic Celebration
The November 30 black-tie event celebrates what's never been done: honoring warrior parents—the true heroes sitting at hospital bedsides through trauma and pain, emerging victorious. Twelve categories recognize handpicked parents whose journeys went unwitnessed.
Complete sponsorship ensures free attendance—Balmoral Gardens donated the venue, florists provided arrangements, Bread Lane supplied cakes. When companies heard the story, they jumped to make it magical.
Theme: Strength, Love, Legacy
The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength required; the unconditional, fierce, protective love; and the lasting impact warrior moms create.
The Message: God handpicked you in His garden to be your child's parent. He believes in your fight.
A 16-Year Battle
Shonise's son Yazdan, now 16, was born with AVM (arteriovenous malformation)—a rare vascular tumor affecting blood and oxygen flow. His journey includes five operations, three stents, two rounds of chemo, heart disease, autism, and a broken leg requiring six months in a wheelchair.
For 16 years, Shonise questioned: "Why me?" But every time Yazdan faced pain, God blessed her with something powerful. Now she asks: "Why not me? God chose me in that garden to be Yazdan's parent."
Recent Crisis
Yazdan's tumor recently ruptured causing internal bleeding and requiring blood transfusion. Their doctor of six years said: "There's nothing more I can do." With the safety net pulled away, she's back at square one searching for medical knowledge scarce in South Africa.
From Brokenness to Legacy
Hospital stays provided time alone with God. Every night Shonise asked: "Am I strong enough?" Sixteen years later, they're still fighting—and Warrior Mom was born.
Discovering Yazdan's incredible artwork from non-verbal autism years, Shonise created warrior hampers for hospitalized children featuring his art on puzzles, coloring books, mugs, and hats. The warrior sneaker—a "magical shoe" designed for children fighting health battles—gives them superhero power to overcome.
Breaking the Silence
Many parents hide their children's journeys from embarrassment. Shonise chose differently: speaking openly healed her while educating communities. As "South Africa's first real-life superhero," she wears warrior mom armor on stage. Parents rush afterward asking: "How do you do this?"
Her answer: "I never gave up on Yazdan. Acceptance is the most valuable thing in your healing journey."
The Strength Formula
Train your mind to be stronger than emotions. Through Muslim prayer, she asks God daily for strength. "He chose me for the battlefield, so He's giving me all the armor I need." She practices rest, eating, and laughter—God's joy is her strength.
When stress overwhelms, she surrenders: "God, I'm giving you the problems." Things fall into place when she releases control.
Historic Celebration
The November 30 black-tie event celebrates what's never been done: honoring warrior parents—the true heroes sitting at hospital bedsides through trauma and pain, emerging victorious. Twelve categories recognize handpicked parents whose journeys went unwitnessed.
Complete sponsorship ensures free attendance—Balmoral Gardens donated the venue, florists provided arrangements, Bread Lane supplied cakes. When companies heard the story, they jumped to make it magical.
Theme: Strength, Love, Legacy
The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength required; the unconditional, fierce, protective love; and the lasting impact warrior moms create.
The Message: God handpicked you in His garden to be your child's parent. He believes in your fight.
