April 11th marks World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day, a moment to unite in solidarity, educate the public, and highlight the voices of individuals and families navigating life with this complex neurological condition.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand, and can eventually impact speech, mobility, and daily function. But more than its visible symptoms, Parkinson’s often brings invisible battles with mental health, fatigue, and emotional well-being.
In South Africa, thousands of individuals live with Parkinson’s Disease, and yet, awareness remains limited. Many people go undiagnosed or face delays in receiving proper care due to lack of information, financial constraints, and limited access to neurological specialists, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Living with Parkinson’s in South Africa requires navigating unique challenges. Access to neurologists, medication, and therapy can be limited outside major cities. Many caregivers also lack support and information.
But there is hope!
Local support networks, online forums, and awareness campaigns are empowering individuals to speak up, seek help, and break the silence around the condition. Initiatives that promote exercise, mental health support, and community care are helping people with Parkinson’s live full, meaningful lives.
How You Can Help
Whether you know someone affected by Parkinson’s or simply want to be part of the solution, here’s how you can make a difference:
Learn and Share: Use your voice and social media to spread awareness this Parkinson’s Day.
Support Local Organisations: Donate or volunteer with Parkinson’s ZA or similar groups.
Be Kind and Patient: Offer compassion to those living with Parkinson’s, it goes a long way.
Start a Campaign on BackaBuddy
This Parkinson’s Awareness Day, consider launching a crowdfunding campaign onBackaBuddy to support someone living with Parkinson’s or raise funds for vital services like therapy, transport to treatment, or medication.
Whether you’re a caregiver, friend, family member, or advocate, creating a campaign is simple, and every donation can help someone live with more dignity, comfort, and hope.
Facebook Groups: Search for “Parkinson’s Support South Africa” to join active online communities.
Therapeutic Services: Consider physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which can greatly improve quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease may be a lifelong diagnosis, but with early intervention, support, and awareness, people can thrive and find strength in community. Let’s commit to building a more inclusive South Africa, one where no person living with Parkinson’s walks alone.
In a world where generosity is often met with recognition, anonymous donors are the quiet champions of countless causes. Their contributions shape lives and change futures without ever expecting a thank you in return.
At BackaBuddy, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of these unsung heroes. Time and again, anonymous donations, sometimes modest, sometimes staggeringly generous, have provided relief to struggling families, life-saving medical care to those in need, and opportunities to individuals who never dared to dream. These silent acts of kindness are a testament to the belief that true generosity is not about recognition, but about making a difference.
Anonymity in giving is a rare and beautiful thing. It is the purest form of altruism, a quiet acknowledgment that the act of helping others is its own reward. It speaks to a level of selflessness that transcends personal gain, focusing solely on the needs of those who benefit. The choice to give without expectation reflects a deep, unwavering belief in humanity, a belief that kindness, even in its most unseen form, has the power to change lives.
For the parents who can now afford their child’s critical surgery, for the students whose education is no longer a distant dream, for the individuals who find hope in their darkest moments, you are their miracle. Your generosity is a reminder that even in an often chaotic world, there is still goodness, compassion, and a willingness to lift others up without fanfare.
To the anonymous donors who choose to give without the need for acknowledgment, we see you. Though your name may never be known, your kindness is felt in the hearts of every beneficiary, in every tear wiped away, in every dream made possible. Your generosity reminds us that humanity thrives not in grand gestures alone, but in quiet, selfless acts of goodwill.
Thank you for being the invisible thread that holds communities together, for believing in the power of giving, and for proving that real impact does not need a name attached to it. You are the reason so many can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
From all of us at BackaBuddy, and from every life you’ve touched, thank you.
Three-month-old Adam du Toit, from Cape Town, is a brave little warrior facing a challenge that no child should have to endure. Born with a severe form of bilateral club foot, Adam’s ability to walk, run, and play like other children has been hindered by pain and difficulty. However, there is hope, with surgery, specialised boots, and ongoing therapy, he can have the chance to be able to walk without discomfort and embrace a future full of possibility.
Adam’s journey has been anything but easy. He currently undergoes weekly cast changes, a process that is both physically and emotionally challenging. “We have to remove the casts ourselves, which isn’t an easy process for him or us. To do the casting correctly, he has to be held down while his feet are bent into the right position and firmly strapped. It is heartbreaking to watch,” shares his mother, Sally du Toit (41). The heavy casts chafe his chubby little thighs, and he also struggles with stomach issues due to his limited mobility.
Pictured above: Baby Adam du Toit smiling in his sleep
Unfortunately, an unexpected hurdle has made this journey even harder. The family’s medical aid has declined coverage for the essential procedure he needs, and the specialist best suited to treat him, one of only two in the entire Western Cape, is not covered by their plan. The cost of Adam’s surgery, corrective boots, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and necessary household adjustments for his comfort over the next few years is a significant challenge for his parents, Sally and Clive du Toit (44).
The surgery Adam needs is crucial, as it involves severing a tendon to lengthen his heel and prevent him from walking on his toes in the future, which would cause terrible pain. “The surgery will help prevent this and is crucial for the process,” explains Clive.
Pictured above: Adam being comforted by his older brother, Caleb, after a casting
Post-surgery, Adam will require a Ponseti brace and Dobbs bar with Mitchell boots, which are highly specialized and costly equipment. As he grows, he may need up to ten pairs of boots in different sizes. “If we adhere to 23 hours a day of wearing the boots, it will lessen the likelihood of a relapse, but there’s still a small chance he may need additional surgeries. He will also need physiotherapy to strengthen his feet and prevent any relapses,” his parents explain. “Without this ongoing care, the condition could impact his knees, hips, and spine.”
To help cover the costs of Adam’s treatment, his family has created a BackaBuddy campaign, where they have already raised over R40 000 of their R50 000 goal with the support of 32 incredible donors. Their gratitude for the kindness and generosity shown so far is immeasurable.
Adam’s parents are doing everything they can to ensure he has the best possible future. “It’s a long process, so we are just trying to take each day as it comes. Every parent will agree it is the worst thing in the world to feel helpless and to see your child in such terrible discomfort, and even pain some days, but we know it is for the greater good,” they share.
Pictured above: Adam’s cast starting to chafe right after casting
As parents, their greatest wish is to see Adam walk, run, and play like any other child, but they can’t do it alone. “Your support can help make his journey easier. Every donation goes directly toward his treatment and makes this journey as comfortable and pain-free as possible. It is not just financial support, it’s a gift of hope, healing, and a brighter future for our little boy, Adam. The donations thus far have lifted a huge weight off our shoulders, and we are deeply touched by your compassion. This journey hasn’t been easy, but knowing we have people like you standing with us makes all the difference. We will forever be grateful for your kindness,” they explain.
Despite everything, Adam remains a beacon of joy. “Once Adam started smiling, he never stopped. He has gone through so much and still has this beautiful sparkle in his eyes. He really is my hero,” says Sally.
In the heart of Cape Town, a race unlike any other stretches across 56 kilometres of breathtaking landscapes, challenging athletes from around the world. The Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, scheduled for April 5, 2025, is more than a test of endurance, it’s a platform for change. Among the passionate runners taking on this challenge is Jaco van Schalkwyk, a man determined to make every step count for a greater purpose.
The Two Oceans Ultra Marathon is world-renowned for its scenic route, winding through Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, and the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Beyond its natural beauty, this event has become a beacon for social impact, bringing communities together in support of various causes.
For Jaco, this marathon is more than a race; it’s a journey to uplift 33 fatherless boys through The Character Company (TCC), a mentorship program that provides young boys with positive male role models. “By taking up the Two Oceans half-marathon challenge, I want to show these boys that someone is prepared to do extraordinary things for them. I want them to know that they are worth fighting for,” he shares.
South Africa faces a pressing crisis: according to the State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024 report, only 35.6% of children grow up with their biological fathers. The absence of paternal guidance leaves many young boys struggling with issues of self-esteem, identity, and emotional resilience. Without strong role models, they are more vulnerable to social challenges, including academic struggles, mental health concerns, and behavioral difficulties.
The Character Company seeks to bridge this gap through a structured mentorship program. By pairing boys with dedicated MENtors, TCC fosters growth through values-based activities that emphasise respect, discipline, honesty, and kindness. However, maintaining these programs requires funding, which is why van Schalkwyk has committed to raising R118,800, enough to cover a year’s mentorship for all 33 boys in the Western Cape.
The gruelling course of the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon mirrors the struggles these boys face. Each uphill battle represents their hardships, and every milestone reached is a step toward a brighter future. Jaco’s determination to complete the race signifies a commitment not just to personal achievement but to a cause much greater than himself.
“This is my second year participating in the Two Oceans. I aim to raise R118,800 to support the 33 Western Cape boys in our program,” he explains. With each stride, he hopes to inspire not only his mentees but also the broader community to recognize the importance of father figures and mentorship.
Supporting Jaco’s mission extends beyond the race path. Every donation made through his BackaBuddy campaign, where he has raised over R7000 of the R118 800 goal with the help of 9 amazing donors, contributes to mentorship, nature-based activities, and life-changing camps for these boys. By investing in their future, donors play a crucial role in shaping a generation of resilient, confident young men.
The Two Oceans Ultra Marathon is more than a test of physical endurance, it’s a testament to the power of community, compassion, and unwavering support. With each kilometre conquered, Jaco and his supporters are not just running a race; they are running toward a future where every child knows they are valued and loved.
Cape Town, South Africa –For 3-year-old Cody Leigh and his family, what should be a time of playful exploration has become a daunting battle against Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Cody, who should be immersed in the magic of childhood, days filled with boundless curiosity, laughter, and a sneaky sprinkle of mischief, is facing the most demanding uphill battle of his young life.
In the middle of September 2024, Cody and his family’s world was turned upside down. According to the Kids-Can Cancer Foundation, Cody’s battle with cancer first began as a small lump in his tummy, the start of a whirlwind of fear, uncertainty, and pain.
“At first, we went to the local clinic, hoping it was nothing serious. The nurse was just as unsure as we were, so she immediately referred us to Karl Bremer Hospital. A series of tests followed, but they couldn’t give us any answers just yet,” explains Cody’s mother.
As the weeks passed, another lump appeared, and the family’s concerns grew. A referral to Tygerberg Hospital led to further tests and scans in search of answers. What followed was a moment that no parent should ever have to endure.
“We were told we needed to go to Tygerberg Hospital for further testing. And that’s when the unimaginable happened. On October 7th, 2024, Cody was officially diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Our hearts shattered,” she says.
Cody’s journey has been nothing short of grueling. The relentless cycle of painful tests and treatment has taken an immense toll, both physically and emotionally. For his mother, the strain has been compounded by financial hardship. Having to leave her job to be by Cody’s side during his treatment, the family now faces a crisis beyond the medical battle.
“We’ve been struggling to make ends meet. On top of the mounting medical bills, I’ve been unable to put food on the table for Cody, his 11-year-old sister Skyler, and myself. The last thing we should be worrying about right now is how to survive financially while Cody fights for his life,” she explains.
To help alleviate this financial strain, a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been launched, and thanks to the generosity of 19 incredible donors, R6,000 has already been raised toward the R20,000 goal.
Donations will go directly toward Cody’s treatment and medical expenses, ensuring he receives the critical care he needs while also providing essential support for his family during this challenging time.
