In the heart of Franschhoek, surrounded by vineyards and dreams, a wedding and events coordinator, Eldorét Visser (38), was living what seemed to be a fairy-tale life. Newly married and mother to a beautiful baby girl named Olivia (19 months), she was juggling the demands of motherhood and a thriving career at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, until life took an unimaginable turn.
In August 2024, just weeks before Olivia’s first birthday, Eldorét discovered a lump in her left breast. “I thought it was a clogged milk duct from breastfeeding,” she shared. But her father, Joe Breytenbach (79), an orthopaedic surgeon, urged her to get it checked. What followed was a whirlwind of tests, biopsies, and devastating news.
Pictured above:Eldorét Visser with her husband, Jaandri, and their beautiful baby girl, Olivia
“On 16 September 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I remember sitting in the doctor’s chair, clutching my husband Jaandri’s (30) hand, unable to stop the tears. It felt so unfair.”
While raising a toddler and planning weddings for other families, Eldorét quietly endured months of aggressive chemotherapy, first one session every three weeks for four months, followed by weekly sessions for 12 weeks. “Each session came with nausea, exhaustion, mouth sores, and an immune system that couldn’t keep up. But there’s no chance to rest with an 18-month-old at your feet.”
As if fate hadn’t dealt a heavy enough blow, her father was diagnosed with colon cancer midway through her treatment. Genetic testing, an R8,000 cost not covered by medical aid, confirmed a high likelihood of recurrence. The news prompted Eldorét to make a gut-wrenching but lifesaving decision: a double mastectomy with advanced reconstructive surgery.
The surgery, a 9 to 12-hour oncoplastic procedure, was performed on 5 May 2025. “I was incredibly anxious leading up to it. They removed the tumour, drained lymph nodes, harvested fat cells from my abdomen, and reconstructed my breasts. I spent three days in ICU battling nausea, low blood pressure, and fainting spells. But I pulled through.”
Pictured above:Eldorét with her mum, Madi Breytenbach
She was discharged on day six. Movement remained restricted, and she could no longer lift Olivia or drive. Her parents stayed to help with school runs and house chores. On 21 May, doctors confirmed: “All the wounds are healing. There’s no evidence of cancer. I’m well on the road to recovery.”
Eldorét’s physical transformation was only part of the battle. “Cancer is as much in your head as it is in your body. I started antidepressants and leaned on loved ones. Losing my hair was one of the hardest parts, it felt like losing part of my identity. I wore a wig to work because no bride wants to see a sick wedding coordinator.”
Through it all, she remained anchored by her faith, her husband, and her daughter. “I waited 38 years for a baby, and Olivia is our greatest joy. Spending time with her kept me focused.”
Still, the cost of survival was staggering, over R500,000. Her upgraded medical aid covered just 15%. In desperation, a friend named Chantelle White (40) encouraged her to launch a campaign on BackaBuddy. “I was too proud to ask for help. But Chantelle said, ‘You’ll be supported.’ And she was right. I wept with every notification. The funds enabled me to pay my surgeon and go for surgery. I was blown away.”
Pictured above:Eldorét holding baby Olivia wears her wig with quiet strength after bravely losing her hair.
With the help of 86 incredible donors, Eldorét’s campaign raised over R79,000, exceeding her R70,000 goal.
To those who contributed, Eldorét says:
“Thank you seems like such an insignificant word to express my gratitude, you have changed my life and given me more time with my daughter. For that, I cannot thank you enough.”
Looking ahead, Eldorét hopes to use her experience to raise awareness around breast health. “God carried me through this. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I want my story to bring hope to others who are still fighting.”
Thanks to the generosity of strangers, the support of her family, and her own unyielding courage, Eldorét has defied the odds, and is now cancer-free, embracing a future she once feared she wouldn’t see.
“I believe I’m destined to be the best Mom, wife, and woman I can be, and now, I finally have the chance to be her.”
Every year on May 28th, the world comes together to shine a light on a group of devastating illnesses, blood cancers, which include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. On World Blood Cancer Day, we honour the fighters, remember the fallen, and empower communities with information that could save lives.
What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer affects the production and function of blood cells. Most begin in the bone marrow where blood is produced. Abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting the body’s ability to fight infection, transport oxygen, and control bleeding.
Main types of blood cancer:
Leukemia – Cancer of the white blood cells.
Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymphatic system.
Multiple Myeloma – Cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.
Where to Go for Help and Support in South Africa
If you or someone you know is affected by blood cancer, or you’d like to get involved, here are some important organisations and facilities offering support and services:
To Join the Donor Registry or Get Tested
DKMS Africa (The Sunflower Fund) Branches nationwide www.dkms-africa.org 0800 12 10 82 Offers free donor registration and information on stem cell transplants.
To Donate Blood or Platelets
South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Available in all provinces except the Western Cape www.sanbs.org.za 0800 11 90 31
Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) Western Cape Province www.wcbs.org.za 021 507 6300
For Patient Support and Resources
Leukaemia Foundation of South Africa leukaemia.org.za Provides patient support, awareness campaigns, and donor education.
Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Regional Care Centres across South Africa cansa.org.za 0800 22 66 22 Offers counselling, wigs, support groups, and patient accommodation.
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA Support centres near major paediatric oncology units choc.org.za Supports children with cancer and their families with practical and psychosocial help.
How You Can Help
Join the Donor Registry
Joining DKMS’s stem cell registry takes minutes and could mean the world to someone waiting for a life-saving match.
Donate Blood or Platelets
Regular donations are vital for patients undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplants.
Start or Support a Fundraiser
Create or support a crowdfunding campaign for a cancer patient on platforms like BackaBuddy.
Share and Educate
Use your voice to spread awareness. Share stories, facts, and resources using #WorldBloodCancerDay.
Wear Red on May 28
Stand in solidarity with warriors by wearing red and encouraging conversations about blood cancer.
World Blood Cancer Day is more than a symbol, it’s a life-saving opportunity. Whether you’re helping someone get a diagnosis, joining the donor registry, or donating blood, your contribution can make an impact.
Every year on May 30th, the global community comes together to mark World Multiple Sclerosis Day, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and amplify the voices of those living with MS.
World MS Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a worldwide movement of solidarity, a call for better access to care, and a celebration of resilience.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is a chronic illness of the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin), causing inflammation and disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS affects over 2.8 million people globally, with varying symptoms depending on the area and severity of nerve damage.
Where to Find Help and Support in South Africa
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a caregiver, or looking to support someone living with MS, help is available:
Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA)
www.multiplesclerosis.co.za Regional branches in Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN, and Eastern Cape – 0860 45 67 87 Offers education, support groups, access to resources, and advocacy for MS patients.
South African MS Facebook Groups and Forums
Search for private support groups like:
MS Warriors South Africa
Living with MS in SA
Neurology Departments at Major Public Hospitals
Access diagnosis, treatment plans, and referrals for further care:
Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town)
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Johannesburg)
Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria)
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital (Durban)
How You Can Help This World MS Day
Raise Awareness
Share stories, facts, or the official hashtag #WorldMSDay on social media.
Donate or Fundraise
Support MSSA or individuals raising funds for mobility aids, treatment, or daily living needs on platforms likeBackaBuddy.
Wear Orange on May 30
Orange is the global colour of MS awareness. Wear it proudly and spark conversations.
Living with MS can be an uphill journey, but no one has to walk it alone. By increasing awareness, strengthening support networks, and advocating for better care, we can help people with MS live fuller, more empowered lives.
In 2021, JJ Ritter’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare and debilitating neurological condition often referred to as the “Suicide Disease” due to the unrelenting, excruciating pain it causes. According to the McGill Pain Index, CRPS ranks among the highest recorded pain levels—more intense than amputation or natural childbirth—with no known cure and limited treatment options. And yet, despite its severity, the condition is still often overlooked or dismissed, even within medical circles.
This lack of recognition adds a heavy emotional toll to an already devastating diagnosis. Many CRPS warriors, like JJ, find themselves isolated and misunderstood, navigating not only constant physical agony but also the emotional grief of losing the life they once knew. But in the midst of the pain and uncertainty, JJ chose to fight back—not just for himself, but for others.
At the six-month mark after his diagnosis, JJ’s spine specialist told him something that stuck with him: “The greatest defence or treatment against CRPS is knowledge.” That truth became JJ’s guiding light. As he learned more about his condition, its triggers, and how to live with it, he began to write. Not to escape the pain, but to give it a voice.
That voice became a book: Hope Undivided – Memoirs of an Ordinary Man Living with a Not So Ordinary Disease. It’s a raw, heartfelt account of JJ’s journey through suffering, resilience, and healing. It’s also a powerful tool for raising awareness about CRPS and invisible illnesses—particularly among those who feel unseen and unheard.
To bring this book to life, JJ has created a campaign on BackaBuddy with the goal of raising R50,000. The funds will support:
Publishing and printing costs: including professional editing, cover design, layout, ISBN registration, and the initial print run
CRPS awareness initiatives: tied to the book’s launch, including educational talks and outreach
Translation and accessibility efforts: including audio versions for people living with disabilities
Book distribution: to hospitals, doctors, and individuals who need it most
Supporting his family: allowing JJ to remain present and mobile for his wife and two sons—his greatest reason to keep going
With the help of 6 generous donors, JJ has already raised over R5,000 toward his goal.
JJ’s dream is simple: to reach those who feel invisible. To let fellow warriors and their loved ones know they’re not alone. And to challenge the way society views chronic illness, masculinity, and pain. Through Hope Undivided, JJ wants to shift the narrative—from silence and stigma to truth, resilience, and hope.
“Having gone through what I have so far on this journey has taught me a lot—about what to expect, what to try, what to avoid, what to do, and what not to do. This is the kind of knowledge that saved me, and it’s the kind of knowledge I want to share.”– JJ Ritter
JJ plans to launch Hope Undivided this November in honour of CRPS Awareness Month.
If his story resonates with you—whether you’ve battled chronic pain, supported someone who has, or simply believe in the power of storytelling—you’re invited to be part of this journey.
On this Workers’ Day, we pause to celebrate not only the importance of labour and the rights of workers across the globe, but also the passion and purpose that drives us at BackaBuddy.
Every member of our team plays a vital role in building a more compassionate South Africa, one campaign, one donor, and one act of kindness at a time. While our work spans different areas, tech, marketing, customer support, finance, and donor retention, what unites us is the shared belief: when people come together, amazing things happen.
This is what working at BackaBuddy means to us:
Catherine Du Plooy, our Chief Growth Officer, deeply values the sense of unity and shared purpose at BackaBuddy. “There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who genuinely care,” she says. Having witnessed countless moving campaigns, one that has particularly stayed with her is ‘Help us give Eben the care he deserves,’ a fundraiser for 10-year-old Eben Beukes, who needs 24-hour palliative care following severe complications from Covid-19. As a parent herself, Catherine is profoundly moved by Eben’s father, Hendrik, whose unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable hardship deeply resonates with her.
Bernelie Barwise, our Social Media Manager, finds deep fulfillment in helping campaign creators create meaningful impact. “It’s a great joy to see the results being achieved after putting in the hard work,” she says. “It’s very rewarding, motivating and purpose driven.” One campaign that recently inspired her is ‘Panthera Africa’s journey with Liza Moondancer,’ a trailblazer raising awareness and support for big cats through her swim from Robben Island to Blouberg.
Carla Isaacs, our Compliance and Operations Manager,values the ripple effect of kindness BackaBuddy fosters: “Campaign creators walk away with renewed hope in humanity, donors feel purposeful, and beneficiaries experience the power of community.” She’s been especially moved by the campaign ‘Keep Hope Alive,’ about Aadam Forgan, a stage 4 cancer warrior running a half marathon to support children with cancer through CHOC.
Monique Weich, our Donor Retention Coordinator, feels deeply honoured to witness the life-changing impact of every donation. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the relief and gratitude from Campaign Creators,” she reflects. One campaign that has left a lasting impression on her is ‘Ashley Oosthuizen’s Fight for Freedom,’ a heartbreaking story of a young woman wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand. Monique was especially moved by Ashley’s mother’s unwavering determination and the way strangers rallied behind them, a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that exists within humanity.
Mourine Muiruri, our Accounts Officer, says the “sense of purpose in our work is unmatched”. She was particularly inspired by the campaign ‘Matches on the Map,’ a global stem cell awareness journey sparked by Robin Lewis’s own battle with Fanconi Anaemia. The campaign’s innovative approach to saving lives deeply resonates with her.
Tessa Van Rensburg, a Crowdfunding Success Specialist, appreciates BackaBuddy’s culture of growth and support: “You’re not boxed in here. You’re encouraged to grow, share, and contribute in your own way.” One campaign that stood out for her was, ‘Help Toinette get “Chewbaka” under control,’ created by Dupie van Rensburg for his wife, Toinette, who is facing a rare autoimmune condition. Their plan to launch a healing business for others while supporting her recovery deeply inspired her.
Lakiwe Blekiwe, our Head of Charities, cherishes the moments when “generosity lights up even the darkest situations.”‘Carlie’s Story,’ a campaign about 12-year-old Carlie Grace fighting a mysterious illness in hospital for over two months, particularly moved her. “It reminded me how, even in the hardest times, people still choose kindness.”
Taswill Louw, our Portfolio Manager, says working at BackaBuddy has brought a new sense of meaning to his career. “Whether it’s helping someone access urgent medical care or fulfil a sporting dream, each task brings connection and joy.” One campaign that stands out for him is ‘Kopano’s extraordinary journey to study medicine,’ supported by a generous doctor who believes in paying it forward.
At BackaBuddy, every day is a chance to give back.Thank you to our team, our campaigners, and our donors for reminding us that meaningful work is measured not just in hours, but in impact.
Pictured above: Eldorét Visser with her husband, Jaandri, and their beautiful baby girl, Olivia
Pictured above: Eldorét with her mum, Madi Breytenbach
Pictured above: Eldorét holding baby Olivia wears her wig with quiet strength after bravely losing her hair.
