In just one year, KwaZulu Natal siblings Charity “Shaz” Gumede (31) and her brother Sabelo “Sabz” (30) have faced two life-threatening diagnoses. Shaz survived a near-fatal case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2024, and Sabz was diagnosed with Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma in 2025. With their mother leaving her job to care for both children full-time, the Gumede family medical crowdfunding campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy to help appeal to cover mounting medical costs and keep their household afloat.
Despite the fear and financial strain, the siblings continue to meet each challenge with a disarming mix of courage, humour and hope — determined to turn their darkest year into a story of survival, family, and quiet resilience.
Two Siblings, Two Rare Diagnoses and One Remarkable Bond
Despite experiencing two extremely rare medical crises within months of each other, the Gumede siblings have chosen a path defined not by fear, but by connection. Their home remains a place of warmth, laughter and mutual support — a testament to their deep bond as they navigate uncertainty together.
“We’ve been through a lot, yes,” says Shaz, “but we’re choosing to focus on the fact that we’re still here. We’re still laughing. We’re still us.”
“This year didn’t go according to plan,” adds her brother, “but we’re trying to meet it with as much heart as we can.”
Shaz’s Story: A 1% Chance at Life, and a Return to Herself
When beautician Shaz developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2024, doctors made it clear that survival was unlikely. The rare and catastrophic allergic reaction burned 75% of her skin, attacked her lungs and organs, destroyed her nails and hair, and left her blind.
She spent eight weeks in a coma while her mother, Nombuso, left her job and sat by her bedside every single day, praying, tending to her wounds and refusing to leave her child alone.
“When I woke up, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t see, and I had no memory of what happened,” Shaz shares. “It felt like being born into a nightmare… but being alive at all was a miracle.”
Today, she lives with partial sight — about 5% vision in one eye and roughly 35% in the other. Her skin remains fragile, her nails never grew back, and her respiratory and digestive systems were permanently affected. Despite this, Shaz speaks about her recovery with gratitude and gentleness, not grief.
“I survived,” she says simply. “And that’s something worth celebrating.”
As part of rebuilding her physical wellbeing, she now requires medically essential procedures to restore her nails and teeth, along with lifelong specialised dermatological treatment to support her skin and comfort. These treatments form part of what will help her feel whole again.
Sabz’s Story: A Young Actor Confronts Cancer With Grace
Just as the family was adjusting to Shaz’s new needs, her brother began noticing unusual symptoms. After months of tests and consultations, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive germ-cell cancer.
His first chemotherapy protocol initially brought hope, but soon stopped responding. He has since begun a more intensive treatment plan that brings both physical strain and financial pressure. As an actor, his diagnosis adds another layer of challenge, as the visible effects of the tumour and the side effects of treatment have halted his ability to work.
“There are hard days, of course,” he says. “But I watched my sister face something unimaginable, and she showed me what fighting looks like. So now it’s my turn to fight.”
The ongoing co-payments for his treatment continue to rise, and his future healthcare needs remain open-ended.
A Mother’s Steadfast Love
At the heart of the family is their mother, Nombuso, who has shown quiet strength in every chapter. She left her job the moment her daughter fell ill, and months later found herself travelling again to support her son through cancer treatment. She manages medication schedules, hospital visits and emotional care with unwavering calm.
“She’s our hero,” says Shaz.
“She’s the strongest person we know,” adds Sabz.
Her constant presence has been the family’s anchor, but it has also meant that, for many months, the household has had a limited source of income.
Why the Family Needs Help
The Gumede family is now trying to balance two rare medical conditions, ongoing hospital visits, reconstruction needs, co-payments and everyday living costs without any income. Their medical aid has supported them as far as possible, but shortfalls, specialised treatments and the realities of day-to-day life have created financial pressure beyond what any family could manage alone.
To keep the siblings’ medical journeys on track and maintain stability at home, the family has launched a verified BackaBuddy campaign with a goal of R800,000. So far, 260 donors have contributed more than R52,000, sending not only financial support but messages of kindness and encouragement that the family treasures dearly.
“We’re incredibly grateful,” says Shaz. “Each donation, even R20, feels like someone saying: Keep going.”
“This support reminds us that South Africa still cares,” adds her brother. “And that’s something we’ll never forget.”
“We’re scared sometimes,” says Sabz, “but we’re showing up for each other every day. That’s what keeps us going.”
To Support the Gumede Family
Visit their verified BackaBuddy campaign:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/surving-steven-johnson-sydrome