Cape Town, Western Cape — Christiaan Britz (62), a father from Durbanville, Cape Town, is fighting aggressive pancreatic cancer after a freak ladder accident in June 2024 led doctors to discover a tumour during hospital scans.
After being declared cancer-free following months of chemotherapy and an 11-hour surgery, the cancer has now returned and spread to his liver and major arteries. His daughters have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise R800,000 to help cover urgently needed chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment that is not fully covered by medical aid.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On 10 June 2024, what began as an ordinary day turned into a life-threatening emergency for the Britz family.
Chris fell from a ladder and sustained severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures, a concussion, and injuries to his ribs, shoulder, pelvis and other bones.
His daughter Joline found him lying on the cold floor, barely able to move. Fearing the worst, she rushed him to hospital while praying for his survival.
While doctors treated his injuries, scans revealed something completely unexpected, a tumour on his pancreas.
The discovery came as a shock to the family, but doctors explained that if the accident had not happened, the cancer might have gone undetected until it was far more advanced.
Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Chris was diagnosed with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat.
Determined to give their father the best chance possible, his daughters began contacting hospitals across South Africa in search of the right specialist.
They eventually connected with Dr Stefan Hofmeyr, who placed Chris on an aggressive treatment plan designed to shrink the tumour before surgery.
Over the months that followed, Chris endured long chemotherapy sessions, including FOLFIRINOX and Gemcitabine with Nab-paclitaxel, alongside radiation treatment.
Despite the physical toll, he continued to fight with determination.
A Moment of Hope
In January 2025, Chris underwent a complex 11-hour surgery to remove the tumour.
For his family, the hours felt endless.
When doctors finally emerged with the results, they delivered the words the family had been desperately hoping for:
“All clear. No cancer.”
The Britz family describes the moment as one of overwhelming relief — a second chance they believed had been given to them.
Chris continued with additional treatment as a precaution, and by June 2025, doctors confirmed there was still no sign of cancer.
For a while, life began to return to normal.
When the Cancer Returned
In March 2026, the family received devastating news.
After months of believing the cancer had been defeated, doctors confirmed that it had returned aggressively.
This time the cancer had spread to Chris’s liver, a major artery and other surrounding areas, making treatment more complex and urgent.
For his daughters, the news felt like reliving the nightmare all over again.
“He is doing his best to stay strong and hopeful,” his family shared. “Emotionally, it has been a very stressful and overwhelming time for all of us, but he has also been deeply moved by the incredible support from friends, family, and even strangers.”
A Race Against Time for Treatment
Chris has not yet been able to begin his next round of treatment.
“He will only be able to start once we have raised enough funds for the first round of chemotherapy and immunotherapy,” his family explained. “We are hoping this will happen soon, and his doctors are also trying to arrange discounts with the relevant institutions.”
The urgency is clear, without timely treatment, his condition could continue to worsen.
A Family Refusing to Give Up
Chris is described by his family as the heart of their home, a devoted husband, a loving father and a man whose strength has held the family together through difficult times.
“My dad means everything to our family and so much to the people around him,” they shared. “He is a deeply caring person who has always shown up for others with generosity, strength, and kindness.”
Beyond his role as a father, Chris has helped many people through hypnotherapy, supporting those struggling with addiction, helping establish rehabilitation centres, and guiding others through deep personal trauma.
“He has made a real difference in many lives, and in his community, he is known as someone who gives of himself wholeheartedly.”
Holding Onto Hope
For the Britz family, the emotional toll has been immense.
“The most difficult part of this journey has been trying to stay hopeful and positive through so much uncertainty, while holding onto faith that he can be healed again,” they said.
How the Community Can Help
Funds raised through the campaign will help cover:
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments
• Specialist consultations and medical scans
• Blood tests and monitoring
• Medication, pain management and supportive care
For the Britz family, every contribution represents another chance for Chris to continue his fight.
“We are deeply grateful for every prayer, donation, kind word, and act of support,” they shared. “Your generosity has given our family hope in one of the hardest seasons of our lives.”
“If you cannot donate, please consider sharing our story or keeping our family in your prayers.”
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us and fighting for our Dadda.”
To support Chris’s campaign, visit:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/stand-with-britz-family-help-chris-fight-cancer
