Renowned South African speaker, life coach, facilitator, and firewalking instructor, Cobus “the Viking” Visser, wants to shed light on haemophilia, a rare genetic disorder where blood does not clot in the typical manner, during the month of April
World Haemophilia Day is annually celebrated on 17 April, and this year’s theme is: ‘Fair access for all: Recognition of all blood disorders’.
Cobus, who was diagnosed with haemophilia as a child, is an advocate for equal and comprehensive access to care for all haemophilia sufferers and wants to use this opportunity to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on the lives of sufferers, as well as their families and caregivers.
“Haemophilia and related blood disorders are lifelong chronic conditions for which there is no cure. It affects the body’s ability to clot blood, turning otherwise minor events, such as accidentally bumping into something or visiting the dentist, into potentially life-threatening traumas,” explains Visser “Because blood disorders are so rare, they are unfortunately often overlooked.”
There are fewer than 300 000 haemophilia sufferers worldwide, with approximately 2 300 people in South Africa diagnosed with this condition. However, it is estimated that about 15 000 people in the country remain undiagnosed.
As a member of the South African Haemophilia Association, Cobus encourages all South Africans to learn more about haemophilia and related blood disorders this year.
When he was born, the life expectancy for people with haemophilia was 11 years. Thanks to medical advances, people with this condition can now lead full and fulfilling lives – with “the Viking” as a proverbial example.
In 2013, he found himself hospitalized and unable to move. Instead of giving up, he decided that his body would no longer be his prison. Despite his condition, he achieved incredible physical feats, including daring to climb Kilimanjaro with crutches in 2018 – an endeavour that almost cost him his life.
Since then, he has made it his life’s purpose to help others achieve their peak performance, working with hundreds of individuals, business leaders, and people with disabilities over the years.
In addition to several academic achievements, Cobus is a certified master firewalking instructor, a certified NLP life coach, an executive business coach, and a ShadowMatch and Enneagram facilitator. He has been honoured twice with the Men of Valour award.
Visser has decided to share his inspiring story in a brand-new book, WALKING THROUGH FIRE. WHATEVER IT TAKES, a deeply personal narrative of his life journey filled with challenges, struggles, and the unwavering determination to rise above his circumstances.
“It’s a story that not only covers the physical and emotional pain I’ve experienced as a result of my haemophilia but also the power of the human spirit to triumph against all odds,” he says.
The compelling autobiography begins with Cobus’s early life overshadowed by his health struggles and then looks at the turning point in his life and its aftermath. He candidly shares his journey of self-discovery, faith, and the steadfast belief that anything is possible with dedication and a passion to change the world.
WALKING THROUGH FIRE. WHATEVER IT TAKES will soon be available in English and Afrikaans and will be officially released during a glamorous book launch.
Copies of this life-changing book can already be pre-ordered. Place your order here: http://bit.ly/cobusbook2024
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