In a single moment on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the world was turned upside down for the van Rooy family following a traumatic motor vehicle accident. The sudden crash left several members of the family injured, including mother Marianne and her young granddaughter. While Marianne and her granddaughter received immediate medical care, her son Corné suffered critical, life-threatening trauma and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Pelonomi Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein.
Surviving the initial impact was only the beginning of a healing journey. Corné sustained extensive injuries, including a spinal fracture, severe brain trauma, multiple broken ribs, and fractured arms and legs. He was placed on a ventilator in the ICU to stabilize his vital functions.
Faced with a long medical road ahead, constant travel between home and the hospital, and mounting unexpected costs, family friend Kabous van Straaten stepped in to create a BackaBuddy campaign for the van Rooy Family.
The Hidden Costs of a Medical Crisis
When a severe vehicle accident occurs, a family’s primary focus must be on emotional support and healing. However, the reality of sudden trauma often brings an overwhelming wave of unexpected financial pressures:
- Ongoing hospital stays, specialized surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Frequent commuting to and from Pelonomi Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein for daily ICU visits.
- Addressing the total loss or damage to the family’s primary transportation.
- Living support and emergency costs while family members take time off work to stand vigil at the bedside.
Taking Things One Day at a Time
During complex trauma care, surgery often has to be performed in stages to protect the patient’s stability. When Corné underwent his initial operation on 16 July, the surgical team had to pause procedures because he could not remain safely under anaesthesia for an extended period.
While waiting for his condition to stabilize for secondary procedures, the van Rooy family has drawn immense strength from the flood of prayers, messages, and donations pouring into their campaign page. In an update to supporters on 27 July 2026, Kabous shared the family’s heartfelt gratitude:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for everything you have done for us. Thank you for every prayer, every act of support, every meal, every financial contribution, and every visit… You have no idea how much your support has helped us or how much it means to us.” — The van Rooy Family
How You Can Stand with the van Rooy Family
Corné’s journey in the ICU remains critical, and the family continues to take things one day at a time, holding onto hope and trusting his medical team.
- Help ease the financial burden of travel, vehicle costs, and ongoing medical care by making a contribution on the van Rooy Family BackaBuddy Campaign Page.
- Consider sharing this campaign link across your WhatsApp groups, Facebook, or community pages to keep the circle of support growing!
Are you or a loved one facing an unexpected crisis or trauma recovery? Read more abouthow crowdfunding supports families through sudden medical emergencies or explore stories of hope on The Giving Lab.
