Fundraising for Medical Treatment in South Africa

When faced with a challenging medical diagnosis families often aren’t prepared for the financial burden placed on them at the most vulnerable time in their lives.

For this reason, many South Africans are turning to crowdfunding to raise the funds for a loved one in need of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the purchase of medication and medical equipment.

Start a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy

If you or a loved one is in need of raising funds for medical costs, click here to register on BackaBuddy.

Have any questions?

BackaBuddy is here to help. Contact us here

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising online by setting up a project to receive many small donations from a number of individuals through the use of social media and the press.

Through emotive storytelling, images and video content, campaign creators are able to present their cause to the public to help reach their specified fundraising target.

As long as you have an earnest medical need that can be validated by a doctor or health practitioner, you can raise funds on BackaBuddy.

What can you raise funds for?

Over 49800 individuals have successfully crowdfunded on BackaBuddy to cover the cost of their Cancer Treatment, Cystic Fibrosis treatment, Bone Marrow Transplants, Kidney Dialysis, Heart surgery, Liver transplant, Cochlear implants and Wheelchairs.

Friends seeking to support a family in distress often launch crowdfunding campaigns to assist with expenses such as living costs, transportation, and other necessities during a catastrophic medical diagnosis.

Getting started

Get started with your crowdfunding campaign by sending us your story, funding needs and references by completing this form.

If you aren’t sure how to go about your campaign, please contact us and our team will guide you and walk alongside you.

Once your campaign is set up, you will have a shareable link that you can share on your social media, the press and most importantly, with family and friends, who can help you spread the word and donate to your cause.

Medical campaigns that captured our hearts

Since 2015 BackaBuddy has raised over R550 Million to support worthy causes in South Africa.

Take a look at a few of the medical campaigns on BackaBuddy that touched the hearts of donors both locally and abroad.

A Bone Marrow Transplant for Aaron

Aaron Lipschitz (7) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is the first child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare genetic condition that affects the immune system.

The only way for Aaron to overcome his recurrent infections and survive this condition was to have a bone marrow transplant, which successfully took place in August 2018.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/save-aaron

Hope of Life for Amogelang

When 9-year-old Amogelang Kgobe Matloga from Limpopo was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in August 2024, his mother, Annah, turned to BackaBuddy with hope and faith.

After bravely facing treatment, Amogelang’s cancer relapsed in May 2025, leaving his family devastated but determined to fight for his life. Annah has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a life-saving bone marrow transplant, giving her son the chance to dream, play, and live fully again.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/amogelang-kgobe-matloga

Anastacia Marais

At just 19 years old, Anastacia from Meyerton was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, beginning a long and painful fight against the disease.

After reaching remission twice, most recently at the end of 2024, doctors warned her that a third relapse would likely be fatal. With a donor already secured, Anastacia now urgently needs a bone marrow transplant at a private hospital in Pretoria. While DKMS has generously offered to cover half the costs, she still needs support to raise the remaining funds for the life-saving procedure.

Campaign link: Women’s Month Tribute: Meyerton Warrior Inspires Support for Urgent Bone Marrow Surgery – BackaBuddy

Miles for Ms Mrasi

When beloved Cape Town teacher and single mother, Ms Mrasi, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, the moms of her class rallied together to support her.

Known for her warmth, humour, and the motherly care she shows her students, Ms Mrasi now faces the toughest fight of her life while continuing to support her son with special needs, who is currently writing matric. To ease the burden of treatment costs and daily expenses, her community is raising funds by running the 21km Gun Run and walking 5kms in her honour — a powerful show of love and solidarity.

Campaign link: Miles for Ms Mrasi | BackaBuddy

Life Saving Procedure for Kelby Parker

When long-time motocross enthusiast and devoted husband, Kelby Parker, was rushed into ICU for an emergency life-saving operation after undetected sepsis spread through his body, his family’s world was turned upside down.

Now recovering with a colostomy bag after major bowel surgery, Kelby remains in intensive care at Wilgeheuwel Hospital, where mounting medical bills far exceed what their insurance could cover in just one day. His wife of 29 years and their daughter, recently engaged, are appealing for support so Kelby can heal, recover, and fulfil his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle.

Campaign link: Life Saving Procedure for Kelby Parker | BackaBuddy

Carley’s Courage: A Story of Hope & Healing

When 6-year-old Carley was suddenly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and rushed to ICU, her family’s life changed overnight, as she bravely adapted to daily insulin injections, sugar checks, and food restrictions — all while keeping her sparkle.

Alongside Carley’s journey, her older brother lives with autism, and together they face unique daily challenges. Their parents are now raising funds for an Aquazone Ozone H₂O Machine, a supportive therapy that could ease Carley’s diabetic struggles and help her brother with sensory and neurological balance, giving both children more strength, comfort, and moments to simply be kids.

Campaign link: Carley’s Courage: A Story of Hope & Healin… | BackaBuddy

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