When facing a relentless cancer diagnosis, access to pioneering medical treatments can mean the difference between running out of options and discovering a renewed path toward healing. For Margot Gomer, that path meant becoming the very first patient in South Africa authorized to receive a breakthrough targeted oncology drug.
Margot’s journey with cancer began in 2022 when her left kidney was removed due to a tumor. For two years, she remained clear and vibrant without needing further interventions. But during a routine follow-up in July 2024, her doctors delivered heartbreaking news: the cancer had returned, spreading to her bladder, lungs, and lymph nodes.
After enduring grueling rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Margot briefly celebrated a cancer-free scan in January 2026. Tragically, the relief was short-lived; by March 2026, new painful lesions appeared in her lungs and lower back.
Determined to keep fighting, Margot’s medical team identified a cutting-edge alternative: Padcev (enfortumab vedotin), an advanced antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed like a guided missile to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
While South Africa is currently in the process of recognizing this treatment, Margot successfully secured regulatory approval to become the country’s first recipient. However, with a monthly price tag of R140,000 and Discovery Medical Aid covering 50%, Margot and her family were left facing an out-of-pocket shortfall of R70,000 every single month for at least six months.
To help bridge this overwhelming financial gap, Margot reached out to her community via BackaBuddy with her campaign: Margot Gomer’s Oncology Treatment Support.
When Specialised Care Requires Extraordinary Support
Cancer care in South Africa often involves navigating complex co-payments, imported specialized drugs, and non-covered oncology shortfalls. As highlighted in our guide to medical crowdfunding in South Africa, crowdfunding allows families to unite their networks when timing is critical and traditional funding options fall short.
Much like other inspiring cancer treatment crowdfunding campaigns, Margot’s appeal resonated deeply with friends, family, and compassionate strangers. Donations and messages of encouragement began pouring in, providing the vital funding needed to secure her first month of imported treatment.
Taking It One Day at a Time
In an update posted to her campaign page after completing her first treatment cycle, Margot expressed her deep gratitude to the village of supporters walking alongside her:
“To my incredible village, I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love, prayers, encouragement, and support you’ve shown me and my family. I am humbled and overwhelmed with your generosity and kindness.”
“I have just completed my first cycle of the new treatment. 5 more cycles to go. The side effects have been tough, and some days are harder than others, but I truly believe this treatment is worth it. I’m holding on to hope and taking it one day at a time.”
Having completed cycle one, Margot is preparing for her next round of treatment under her oncologist’s care. With five cycles remaining, her community’s continued backing provides not just the financial means to import her medication, but the spiritual and emotional strength needed to press on.
Help Margot Continue Her Battle
Margot’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of collective compassion. As she navigates her remaining five cycles of targeted therapy, every donation helps ensure her monthly treatment remains uninterrupted.
- Support Margot’s ongoing oncology care by making a direct contribution on Margot’s BackaBuddy Campaign Page.
- Share Margot’s BackaBuddy campaign on WhatsApp, Facebook, and LinkedIn to expand her reach and keep hope alive!
Navigating a cancer diagnosis or seeking support resources for a loved one? Explore our support guide for cancer patients in South Africa or read more inspiring stories on The Giving Lab.
