In Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Rachel McDonald has been fighting cancer for 14 years. Over that time, she has undergone 12 major operations, countless medical appointments, and the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with living in survival mode for more than a decade.
But one of the hardest moments came when she discovered that the radiation treatment she urgently needed would not be fully covered. That’s when people stepped in. Through a cancer treatment crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, supporters helped Rachel raise more than R292 000, ensuring she could access critical radiotherapy and continue the next stage of her treatment journey.
In four months:
- R292 325 was raised
- 104% of the R280 000 goal was reached
- 123 donors contributed to the campaign
For Rachel, the impact of that support meant far more than reaching a target.
A Long Fight Few People Truly See
Rachel is 59 years old and has spent nearly a quarter of her life fighting cancer.
The campaign was launched to help fund urgent radiation therapy treatment after medical aid refused to cover the full costs of both radiotherapy and the chemotherapy that would follow. Like many South Africans navigating long-term illness, the financial pressure became another layer of an already overwhelming battle.
The funds raised would go directly toward:
- Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
- Continued cancer treatment
- Future chemotherapy costs
- Ongoing medical care
But behind the dire medical needs was something far more inspiring: her will to keep fighting.
A Cancer Treatment Crowdfunding Campaign That Reached Beyond Money
Rachel’s story resonated deeply with people because it reflected something many people understand: the exhaustion of carrying a medical battle for years while still refusing to give up. As donations came in, supporters also shared messages of encouragement, faith, and compassion.
One anonymous donor wrote:
“Kom na My toe, julle almal wat moeg is en swaar laste moet dra, en Ek sal julle lewens verkwik…”
(“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” — Matthew 11:28-30)
Messages like these became part of the campaign’s emotional impact too. They reminded Rachel and her family that even in difficult seasons, they were not carrying the burden alone.
Her campaign is a testament to a community coming together. They gave her even more reason to keep fighting. Rachel’s campaign is a great example of a successful medical crowdfunding campaign. You can find it here.
The Real Impact Behind the Total Raised
Raising over R292 000 changed what was possible for Rachel’s treatment journey.
It helped secure access to urgent radiotherapy.
It created breathing room around medical costs.
It allowed the focus to shift back toward healing instead of financial fear.
For many people facing serious illness, this is the hidden impact of crowdfunding. The support does not erase the diagnosis, but it helps families move through treatment with greater dignity, stability, and hope.
Why Crowdfunding Matters During Long-Term Illness
A crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy gives people a practical way to ask for help during moments that are often isolating and overwhelming. Like Rachel’s story, medical treatment can stretch across months or years, especially for patients living with chronic or recurring illness. And while people may want to support someone going through that journey, they often don’t know how.
Crowdfunding creates a place where support becomes visible and actionable:
- Donations help cover real costs
- Shares help stories reach wider communities
- Messages remind families they are not alone
Rachel’s campaign is a powerful example of what happens when people rally around someone who has spent years quietly fighting to survive.
👉 If you are wondering how to go about starting a medical crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy you can find everything you need to know right here.
A Reminder That Support Changes More Than Just Finances
Behind every donation was a decision to help someone continue fighting. And after 14 years of surgeries, setbacks, treatment, and uncertainty, that support became something deeply meaningful.
Not just financial assistance.
Not just a campaign goal reached.
But proof that compassion still moves people to action.
Start Your Own Crowdfunding Campaign on BackaBuddy
Whether you’re facing medical costs, supporting a loved one through treatment, raising funds for education, community causes, or personal challenges, BackaBuddy gives South Africans a trusted place to ask for support when it matters most.
