At just 31 years old, Dewan Terblanche was known as a picture of health: a devoted husband, a loving father, a dedicated high school teacher, and a passionate mathematics tutor in Bloemfontein. But at the start of the third school term in July 2026, everything changed in an instant.
What began as a routine throat infection rapidly escalated into a frightening medical emergency. By July 25th, Dewan found himself admitted to the hospital with dangerously elevated CRP (inflammation) levels and severe throat ulceration that made swallowing even a drop of water impossible.
Further specialist testing revealed a complex diagnosis: Dewan is severely immunocompromised, with critically low white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, leaving his body vulnerable to rampant infections and severe complications.
When faced with mounting medical expenses, unexpected co-payments, and necessary travel to Cape Town for specialist procedures, his wife Elandri turned to BackaBuddy to launch a crowdfunding campaign.
The Hidden Cost of Medical Emergencies in South Africa
Even with medical aid, catastrophic health events often leave families exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses. Between co-payments for specialized intravenous (IV) treatments, weekly pharmacy bills, blood panels, and constant consultations, the Terblanche family found themselves facing over R40,000 in upfront costs almost immediately.
👉🏼 Read more: Medical crowdfunding in South Africa provides a crucial bridge when formal health coverage falls short.
Through the compassion of family, friends, and empathetic strangers, the campaign quickly raised R32,000 toward their initial target, bringing much-needed relief during an overwhelming time.
Courage in the Midst of Uncertainty
Despite severe illness, ongoing pain, and the challenge of managing solid food, Dewan’s dedication to his family and students hasn’t wavered. Whenever his energy allows, he continues to teach his classes and run extra mathematics lessons after school to ensure his students stay on track.
However, medical journeys rarely follow a smooth line. In early August, Dewan faced further setbacks, developing bronchitis and a painful soft-tissue infection in his left arm that caused his inflammatory markers to spike once more.
With CRP levels rising and new fluid complications requiring specialized care, the family received urgent news from his medical team: Dewan urgently needs single-room isolation, surgical drainage, and specialized testing with a gastroenterologist at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt in Cape Town to investigate whether Crohn’s disease is playing a role in his condition.
Raising the Bar to R60,000
To cover the upcoming travel from Bloemfontein to Cape Town, urgent specialist consultations, surgical fees, and pharmacy co-payments, Elandri expanded the fundraising goal to R60,000. In an urgent update to campaign supporters, Elandri expressed her family’s heartfelt thanks:
“Dewan is only 31, a loving husband and devoted father. Our only wish is to get him the treatment he needs and bring him home healthy again. Thank you for standing with our family. Your kindness means more than words can say.”
Much like other inspiring medical crowdfunding stories, Dewan’s campaign illustrates the power of community when unexpected illness strikes. Small contributions—whether R10 or R100—accumulate to give a young father a real fighting chance at recovery.
How You Can Help Get Dewan to Cape Town
Dewan has an appointment scheduled with specialist Prof. van Rensburg in Cape Town on 31 August 2026, but getting him there safely requires continued support.
- Help cover urgent medical co-payments and travel expenses on Dewan’s BackaBuddy Campaign Page.
- Share Dewan’s campaign link on social media or family WhatsApp groups to help extend their reach!
Facing high medical costs or preparing for a loved one’s treatment? Learn more about navigating medical care expenses in SA or explore more Impact Updates.
