One person’s ‘small donation’ is another’s fighting chance. For 7-year-old Joshua Louwrens, this truth has turned his battle with cancer into a story of hope, resilience, and overwhelming community support. Thanks to the generosity of Joshua’s Angels, his network of donors and well-wishers, this brave little boy has surpassed his crowdfunding goal in record time, giving him the upper hand in his fight against cancer.
Joshua’s story began with what seemed like a minor issue, a small bump on his neck. A routine visit to the doctor led to a prescription for antibiotics, with the initial belief that the bump was caused by a swollen lymph node due to an infection in his gums. When the first round of treatment failed, another round of antibiotics followed. Though the infection cleared, the bump remained.
Concerned, Joshua’s family took him for a third medical consultation. This time, doctors decided to admit him to the hospital to investigate further. Surgery was performed to remove the bump, but due to its location, doctors were unable to remove it entirely. It was then sent for testing.
On 28 January, Joshua’s family received the devastating news: their beloved boy had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). “Nothing could have prepared us for this news, and it felt like our entire world was shattered in an instant,” his family shared.
The days that followed were filled with uncertainty and urgency. Joshua underwent a series of scans to determine if the cancer had spread, followed by multiple trips into surgery. Doctors installed a central line to aid in his treatment, and then came another challenge, his hometown of Newcastle did not have the necessary pediatric oncology facilities to treat him.
With little time to spare, Joshua and his family made the 350-kilometer journey to Pretoria, where he underwent further testing, including a bone aspiration and a spinal tap, to assess whether the cancer had reached his bone marrow or spinal cord. On 1 February, Joshua received his first round of chemotherapy, marking the start of his six-month battle against the aggressive disease.
Cancer treatment is a relentless battle, physically, emotionally, and financially. Beyond the medical bills, consultations, and procedures, the logistics of traveling between Newcastle and Pretoria added another layer of stress for Joshua’s family. They quickly realized that their medical aid would not cover all necessary treatments and expenses.
Determined to give Joshua the best possible chance, his family turned to their community for help. The response was nothing short of extraordinary.
In just a few days, an army of supporters, now known as Joshua’s Angels, rallied behind him. They donated, shared his story, and spread the word. Small acts of kindness multiplied, and together, they raised an astounding R189,738, far surpassing the initial goal of R150,000 on BackaBuddy!
Joshua’s battle is far from over, but thanks to the unwavering support of his Angels, he now faces it with renewed strength and financial security. Beyond the funds, Joshua has received an even greater gift, the knowledge that he is not alone. At just seven years old, he has learned one of life’s most beautiful lessons: that kindness exists in abundance and that together, we are stronger.
As Joshua continues his journey to healing, his family and his Angels remain by his side, proving that when communities come together, mountains can indeed be moved.
For over a decade, Nick Hamman (33), a beloved 5FM radio presenter, has connected with audiences across South Africa. Now, he’s using his platform to champion an amazing cause – helping Thulasizwe School for Autism in Soweto build a kitchen and food technology classroom to empower students with autism.
“I’ve always believed in using my platform to make a difference. When I heard about the amazing work Thulasizwe School for Autism does to support children with unique needs, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Education and inclusivity are issues close to my heart.” – Nick Hamman
Pictured above: 5 FM’s Nick Hamman
The Thulasizwe School for Autism, in association with Friends of Daniel, is the first autism-specific school in Soweto. Founded in 2016, the school provides education and essential support for 100 students aged 4 to 18. Despite their dedication, the school faces significant challenges, including the lack of a proper kitchen and classroom facilities for vocational training. Currently, meals are prepared in a makeshift kitchen, and students eager to learn culinary skills have had to travel to external facilities, an arrangement that is no longer sustainable.
To further develop the students’ talents and promote their independence, the school urgently requires two vital facilities:
A Fully Equipped Kitchen: To provide nutritious meals for students and sustain the school’s feeding program year-round.
A Food Technology Classroom: To teach essential life skills, instill independence, and provide students with hands-on training in food preparation.
Pictured above: The kitchen that the students are currently utilizing
Beyond serving the school, these facilities will double as a bakery, benefiting the local community by creating job opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and generating much-needed revenue for the school’s sustainability.
This initiative is proudly supported by Friends of Daniel, an organization inspired by Daniel Sayed (15), a talented young boy on the autism spectrum. Daniel’s unique perspective and artistic skills have been a profound source of inspiration. Recognizing his gifts and the challenges faced by autistic individuals, Daniel’s family envisioned creating something meaningful to celebrate neurodiversity and offer support to others on a similar journey.
Pictured above: Nick and Daniel Sayed
Through Daniel’s creativity and the family’s passion, Friends of Daniel seeks to inspire understanding, celebrate abilities, and provide a network of support for autistic individuals and their families. Since January 2022, Friends of Daniel has worked hand in hand with Thulasizwe School for Autism, fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
To help the Thulasizwe School build these new facilities, a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been created where they have already raised over R116 000 with the help of 50 incredible donors.
“This campaign is about giving children with autism the chance to thrive in environments where they feel safe, understood, and empowered. I’ve seen how a little support can create incredible opportunities for those who face challenges. This is about trying to level the playing field and making sure every child has a shot at success.” – Nick
SuperSportBet Doubles Your Impact
To maximize the impact of this initiative, SuperSportBet has pledged to match all donations, rand for rand, up to R500,000. Every contribution will go twice as far in helping these students gain independence and real-world skills.
If the campaign’s fundraising goal is not fully met, donations will still be put to good use – funding school improvements such as the renovation of play areas, the purchase of essential learning materials, and the development of a sensory room to better support students’ needs.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create massive change. By supporting this campaign, you’re not just donating money—you’re investing in brighter futures for these children and their communities. Let’s show the power of collective kindness and make a difference together!” – Nick
Luke Jones, a 25-year-old aspiring animator from Johannesburg, has spent the past four years living in Cape Town, studying Computer Game Design at Vega University. Diagnosed with autism at the tender age of two, Luke’s journey has been one of resilience, determination, and more recently, a desire to make the world a more inclusive place for neurodiverse individuals. Given his challenge to find suitable employment, Luke is channeling his passion for animation into an ambitious project that aims to bridge the gap between neurodiverse and neurotypical worlds.
Image above: Luke Jones working on his first planned short film, Tim’s First Day at Work
Growing up, Luke faced challenges that many neurodiverse individuals can relate to. “I had trouble regulating my emotions back then, so there were lots of emotional outbursts,” he recalls. His early years were shaped by the unwavering support of his family, including his parents Gavin (60) and Bonita (60), brother Simon (27), and a team of dedicated therapists and facilitators who have helped Luke navigate the complexities of the schoolyard, regulate his emotions, and overcome developmental delays through intensive therapy.
Despite these challenges, Luke’s hard work paid off. He successfully completed his university degree and is now using his experiences to inspire a groundbreaking project: a series of animated short films designed to help neurodiverse individuals navigate everyday situations while fostering greater understanding among neurotypical audiences.
Image above: Luke with his family, brother Simon, mom Bonita, and dad Gavin, at Kruger National Park
The first planned short film in the series, Tim’s First Day at Work, will explore the challenges a neurodiverse employee might face in a typical office environment. By depicting relatable scenarios such as Tim’s first visit to the doctor, his first date, and even his first haircut, the series aims to give the rules of the game to neurodiverse individuals while educating neurotypical viewers about the unique experiences of those on the autistic spectrum.
“Animation is a medium that’s easy to understand in a literal and direct way,” Luke explains. “Sometimes I may miss subtle communication cues in real life, but animated work can make these subtleties very clear, and I know others like me would appreciate it as well.”
The ultimate goal of the series is to promote empathy, understanding, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Luke envisions these resources being used by educators, HR professionals, social workers, and other facilitators to create environments where neurodiverse people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Through this initiative, Luke hopes to spark change. “I would like to see a society that celebrates neurodiversity and creates circumstances in which everyone feels appreciated, supported, and included,” he shares.
To bring his vision to life, Luke has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where he has already raised over R28 000 with the help of 14 incredible donors. The funds will cover essential production costs, including storyboarding, animation, voice work, and distribution, as well as securing professional guidance from professional consultants that specialise in neurodiverse interventions to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the project. These educational guides will provide practical advice and conversation starters for teachers, parents, and employers. Importantly, Luke has made it clear that none of the funds will be used for his personal needs; every cent will go directly toward creating these impactful resources.
Image above: Luke at his university graduation
“Thank you all so much. Your contribution to this project will make a big difference in the lives of neurodivergent people. My hope is that your donations will enable the right people to create resources that promote greater understanding, empathy, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces. These animated videos will help to bridge knowledge gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent and to foster a more supportive, caring society in which everyone, regardless of neuro-classification, may thrive. You are an important part of this journey. Your dedication to assisting others is genuinely changing the world for the better and I salute you.” Luke says.
Social Media Manager at BackaBuddy, Bernelie Barwise (32), is a Cape Town-based performer, musician, and fire artist whose talents shine as brightly as the flames she wields. This Saturday, 6 December, she will be lighting up Franschhoek Square with an unforgettable fusion of music and fire artistry.
With an impressive performance portfolio, Bernelie has dazzled audiences across the globe, including in Abu Dhabi, the UK, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and throughout South Africa, with notable appearances in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Her captivating performances seamlessly blend live music and visual artistry, incorporating keyboard, guitar, looping beats, synths, and powerful vocals, all enhanced by breathtaking fire shows.
Pictured above: Bernelie Barwise at a fire show in Afrikanos in 2021
“I first started singing from a young age and did the Eisteddfod where I won categories in both singing classical contemporary music and poetry. From there I learned to play the piano by ear as I was too stubborn to learn theory,” says Bernelie
Recently, Bernelie delivered a fiery stage performance at the Ostrich Ranch, sharing the spotlight with renowned South African band MiCasa, and showcased her live electronic music in an exclusive rooftop show atop the Media24 building. Her artistry and unique style have been spotlighted by Texx and the City, particularly for her music that promotes themes of body positivity and self-love.
Pictured above: Bernelie with South African artist MiCasa at the Ostrich Ranch in Cape Town
Bernelie has released two albums, with plans to re-release them in early 2025. Her most recent album, Zenith, is currently available exclusively on Bandcamp, and her visually stunning music video, filmed in Abu Dhabi, exemplifies her creative vision.
“I recorded my first album when I was 16 and then at 24, my first official album ‘Mystic’ was launched on all major digital platforms and one of the singles from the album ‘Little Mess’ got played on 5FM. I then went on to play at many well known venues in Cape Town like the Mojo Market, Grand West, Mercury, The Mining Indaba at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel and Hirsh’s Women in Business Awards in Century City. Shortly after, my guitarist and I had a video that went viral on Facebook and we got a contract to go play in Abu Dhabi for 5 months. After returning from the UAE, I released another album, ‘Zenith’ produced by Marius de Beer (32) during Covid. Covid definitely threw a spanner in the works as many projects got put on hold,” Bernelie tell us
This Saturday, 6 December, Bernelie will bring her extraordinary mix of music and fire artistry to Franschhoek Square, promising audiences an unforgettable fusion of sound and spectacle.
Pictured above: Bernelie performing at Media24 for the launch of new Nokia products
“Living and performing in different countries is an absolute privilege. It was also hard work and sometimes came with its challenges as I fell very sick in Zanzibar after getting Malaria,” Bernelie explains
Offstage, Bernelie serves as an ambassador for Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, a safe haven for rescued big cats. She passionately supports their BackaBuddy campaign, which raises funds to provide food and veterinary care for these majestic animals. So far, the campaign has raised R2,000 of its R200,000 goal, with every contribution bringing them closer to ensuring the well-being of these incredible creatures.
Pictured above: Bernelie at Panthera Africa
“I support the amazing Big Cat Sanctuary, Panthera Africa, because I am a huge animal lover and very much into nature conservation. My motivation to support comes from my love for rescuing animals and my cat, Mitsu, was rescued after being found in a bin in Manenberg and very close to death. This sparked my interest in saving other animals in need and I have always been a big cat lover!” Bernelie says
Whether she’s performing with fire, creating music, or championing meaningful causes, Bernelie’s work embodies her dedication to creativity, connection, and making a difference.
Since 2015, The Feral Carer NPC in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, has been dedicated to the care and protection of community cats, with Farzana Ismail, an early middle-aged woman, the organisation’s founder and director, at the helm. Farzana’s journey into rescue work began nearly a decade ago with an unexpected encounter. In her words:
“In 2015, while invigilating at the Vaal University of Technology, a cat casually entered the examination venue. At the time, I had no knowledge of the established cat colony on campus. That evening, I left in tears, feeling completely helpless after witnessing a vulnerable cat seeking refuge amidst the chaos created by students. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to their well-being.”
Image above: Ichika, a feline who was previously part of the campus colony
Today, Farzana’s unwavering dedication ensures the health and safety of 13 feral cat colonies – nearly 400 cats in total – and the resident cats housed in her sanctuary. Her work extends beyond simply providing food and water. “This question is intensely emotive and subjective,” Farzana explains, “as only those who have witnessed my engagement with the colony cats or any cat, comprehend that my connection extends beyond the mere provision of food and water. I engage in meaningful interactions, form bonds, and ultimately, the cats recognise that for a brief portion of their day, they are of paramount importance to someone who champions their wellbeing.”
The Challenges of Sustaining Care
Despite her dedication, The Feral Carer NPC is facing immense financial pressure. Monthly food costs alone amount to R18,000, while veterinary care for resident and community cats continues to escalate. Many of the resident cats require specialised dietary care due to chronic health conditions, including kidney disease, FIV, urinary tract issues, and mouth diseases.
Among them is Chester, who suffers from kidney disease and requires chronic medication and a specialised kidney diet. Then there’s Ichika, a former campus cat rescued in 2021, who battles severe gingivitis and stomatitis, necessitating ongoing veterinary care. Cats like Pablo, Tommy Boy, and Chiquita also rely on continuous medical attention and high-quality diets.
Image above: Chiquita, a campus colony rescue
“Sustainability is vital for the successful management of 13 community cat colonies and the resident cats,” Farzana stresses. “However, with unsterilised, abandoned cats infiltrating colony grounds, the challenge of maintaining consistent sterilisation becomes more daunting. Emergency interventions are often needed when kittens are born, which adds to the already mounting expenses.”
Farzana’s work doesn’t end with the cats. As a lecturer, she balances her professional responsibilities, personal studies, and teaching schedule while ensuring the wellbeing of the cats. She describes it as a multifaceted balancing act, one that demands careful time management and unwavering commitment.
The Long-Term Vision
Farzana dreams of expanding her efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of her rescue work. Her vision includes launching a mobile sterilisation unit to improve sterilisation rates and acquiring a smallholding property to establish a sanctuary for cats removed from colonies. This would provide a safe space where their needs could be comprehensively met.
“The TNR process requires sustained enthusiasm and commitment to achieve its effectiveness,” she explains. “While I do my best, financial constraints are a constant challenge. Without sustained community support, I cannot continue these essential efforts.”
A Call for Help
Farzana’s plea is simple but heartfelt – she needs your help to continue providing for the cats under her care. “The escalating costs of food and veterinary care are becoming unmanageable, and I need sustained support to persevere.”
Image above: Chester along with his brother Atlas were rescued from the campus colony
By supporting The Feral Carer NPC’s BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, which has raised R1,400 of its R150,000 goal thanks to the generosity of three incredible donors, you’re doing more than helping cats survive – you’re giving them a chance to thrive and live free from suffering.
To stay updated on Farzana’s journey and the incredible impact she’s making, follow The Feral Carer NPC on Facebook, where she shares daily stories of life with the community cats. Your support is not only appreciated – it’s essential to ensure that the love and care for these cats never wavers.
