From Johannesburg, Gauteng, Johan van Zyl’s family launched a crowdfunding campaign earlier this year, when they found themselves facing an impossible situation they couldn’t carry alone.
After already enduring surgery, chemotherapy, and multiple treatments following his colon cancer diagnosis in 2023, Johan had received devastating news: the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. His oncologist recommended a specialised treatment called Lonsurf, offering a real chance to extend, and potentially save, his life. But there was one major obstacle.
The treatment came with a price tag his family simply couldn’t afford.
Today, thanks to the generosity of supporters who refused to let Johan face that battle alone, there is hope where there was once uncertainty. In just a matter of days, supporters helped raise more than R149 000, helping Johan access the treatment he urgently needed and giving his family something priceless: more time together.
A Family That Never Expected to Ask for Help
One of the reasons Johan’s story resonated so deeply with supporters is that it wasn’t just about cancer. It was about a family who had spent years doing everything they could to keep going.
Over the course of Johan’s treatment journey, his wife carried the financial burden of surgeries, chemotherapy, medical expenses, and ongoing care. By the time Lonsurf was recommended, the family had already exhausted most of their options. The possibility of selling her car, the very vehicle she relied on to get to work and transport Johan to treatment, had become a reality they were seriously considering.
For many donors, that reality struck a chord. This wasn’t a family looking for an easy way out. It was a family fighting for every possible chance.
The Power of People Showing Up
As donations began arriving through BackaBuddy, something remarkable happened. People who knew Johan and his family, alongside complete strangers moved by their story, chose to become part of their journey.
Each donation carried the same message: You are not alone.
The support quickly gained momentum, helping the campaign reach its initial fundraising goal and allowing Johan to begin the treatment that could help extend his life. For the family, the relief was overwhelming. In an update shared after reaching their target, Danielle Muller a family friend and the champion behind their campaign wrote:
“We are incredibly grateful to share that we have reached our target for Johan’s treatment. Thank you to every single person who has donated, prayed, shared, and supported us along this journey. You have truly been a blessing to our family.”
She added a simple but powerful reminder:
“Miracles are still possible.”
More Than a Fundraising Goal
The campaign’s success wasn’t simply measured by the amount raised. The real impact was what those funds made possible.
- Access to treatment.
- Reduced financial pressure.
- The ability for Johan’s family to focus on his care instead of constantly worrying about how they would pay for it.
For families facing serious illness, that kind of support can be life-changing. Crowdfunding doesn’t remove the diagnosis. But it can remove barriers to treatment and create space for families to focus on what matters most.
The Journey Continues
While reaching the campaign goal marked an important milestone, Johan’s journey is not over. In a recent update, Danielle shared that Johan still requires four additional treatments as he continues his fight against advanced colon cancer. The family once again turned to the community that had already carried them so far.
“To everyone who has stood beside this family during such a difficult time, thank you. Your compassion has carried them further than words can explain.”
It’s a reminder that cancer journeys are rarely linear. There are victories worth celebrating, difficult days to navigate, and ongoing challenges that require resilience, faith, and support.
Why Medical Crowdfunding Matters
Medical costs can place an enormous strain on families, even when medical aid is involved. Specialised treatments, uncovered expenses, travel costs, and ongoing care often create financial gaps that many families are simply not prepared for. That’s where crowdfunding can make a meaningful difference.
Through BackaBuddy, families are able to share their story, connect with supporters, and raise funds that help bridge the gap between medical need and financial reality. Just as importantly, they gain access to something many people underestimate: a community of encouragement.
For Johan and his family, that community showed up when they needed it most.
💡Medical Crowdfunding 101: If you’d like to find out more about medical crowdfunding on BackaBuddy, click here.
A Story of Hope
Johan’s story is still being written.
There are still treatments ahead, appointments to attend, and challenges to overcome. But thanks to the generosity of people who chose to help, there is now more hope, more support, and more opportunity to keep fighting. The campaign may have started as a plea for help. It became a reminder of what happens when people come together around a cause that matters.
Johan’s BackaBuddy campaign is a reminder that the greatest gift a community can give isn’t just financial support. It’s the chance for someone to keep believing in tomorrow.
