by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 8, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
At the tender age of 11, Liam Pretorius from Pretoria East in Johannesburg found his vibrant life taking a drastic turn. Once known for his robust health and lively demeanour, Liam, affectionately dubbed “my Boerboel puppy” by his mother Amelia Pretorius, enjoyed an idyllic existence on a farm. There, he tended to his two beloved horses with care, diligently grooming them and maintaining their stables.
“I was always thinking I am so blessed to have such a healthy and happy child,” Amelia told the Pretoria Rekord.
Pictured above: 11-year-old Liam Pretorius (Image Credits: Pretoria Rekord)
However, in 2022, Liam’s world was shaken by the onset of symptoms signalling a grave illness, ultimately diagnosed as autoimmune ulcerative colitis. This condition, characterised by abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and presence of blood and mucus in the stool, marked the beginning of a challenging journey for young Liam.
“This disease is very rare, especially in children and at his age,” said Pretorius.
Adding to the complexity of his condition, Liam was also diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a condition where the bile ducts within and outside the liver undergo inflammation and scarring, leading to obstruction and damage. Facing the dire consequences of liver dysfunction, Liam’s only hope for survival lies in a liver transplant.
“It is very heartbreaking to see my once very active child being bedridden and having to sleep most of the time,” said Pretorius.
Pictured above: Liam and his mum Amelia Pretorius
Once an avid horse rider and cycling enthusiast, Liam was forced to relinquish these passions as his health rapidly deteriorated, succumbing to complications such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, and jaundice.
The toll on Liam’s academic and social life has been profound. With just four days spent in school last February, the majority of his time is now dedicated to medical care at the Donald Gordon Medical Centre’s transplant unit and a clinic in Midrand.
Despite the adversity, Liam persists in his studies, maintaining a commendable academic performance in Grade 7. Yet, his daily existence is marred by relentless pain from rheumatoid arthritis and widespread inflammation.
“It is so difficult to see someone so young being so ill,” said Pretorius.
The Pretorius family’s lifestyle has been upended by Liam’s illness, necessitating significant adjustments. Liam, now a vegetarian, adheres to a strict diet of lactose-free dairy and gluten-free fare to manage his condition.
Pictured above: Liam enjoying his time at the horse stables
Moreover, stringent precautions are in place to protect Liam from airborne illnesses, mandating the use of masks and hand sanitizers due to his compromised immunity.
“We are trying everything just to cope and to get by until a liver becomes available,” said Pretorius.
For Liam and his family, the agonising wait for a suitable liver donor commenced long ago, initially projected to span a decade. However, due to the rapid progression of his illness, this timeline has been drastically shortened to 12 to 18 months.
“His condition has deteriorated faster than expected.” We tried everything to slow the illness down. At present he is on biologicals as a treatment as because of his liver condition, he is unable to even take a pain pill.” said Pretorius.
The financial burden of Liam’s ongoing treatment and eventual transplant looms large, with estimates from the Donald Gordon Transplant Unit indicating a requirement of at least R800,000. In an effort to alleviate this strain, Liam’s mother has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to rally support for her son’s medical journey.
Pictured above: Liam at the hospital for his treatment
“We’ve only raised R3 500 so far,” said Pretorius. She has a full-time job and it has become a challenge to make ends meet.
“I want to do everything I can to ensure my son has the best options available so he lives his best life for as long as possible,” said Pretorius.
Ever since Liam started his biological treatment in February, his immune system has been weakened, preventing him from attending classes at his usual school centre.
“Most of the time, he only has his computer tablet as a companion as he cannot be exposed to germs,” explained Pretorius.
To help her son fight against this battle and alleviate their financial burden, Amelia recently started a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
“I will be so grateful to anyone who would be able to help me help my son use the one option, a liver transplant, for his incurable disease,” said Pretorius.
SOURCE: PRETORIA REKORD
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Apr 30, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
Francois Boshoff, a 21-year-old employee at his family owned business Timber and Spec from Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, faced an unexpected challenge which tested his resilience and altered the course of his life in the blink of an eye. What started out as a peaceful holiday outing at Buffelspoort Dam in the North West for the Boshoff family turned into a nightmare on the morning of 1 April 2024 when an engine fire engulfed their boat due to a faulty fuel pipe which broke, leaking fuel into the hull of the boat and causing the fire to ignite when the boat was started, leaving Francois with severe second-degree burns.
Pictured above: 21-year-old Francois Boshoff driving their family boat before the the accident
“We are long-standing club members at the Buffelspoort Boat Club. We go to the club for almost every holiday when the weather is good, except in winter. The boat had its yearly COF (certificate of fitness) done the week before Easter. The incident happened on Easter Monday. The day before the incident, the “safety officer” had done his inspection of the boat where everything was compliant. We had refurbished the boat, working on it ourselves for over 2 years from 2020. It’s a beautiful 1980’s American Skier which we inherited from my grandpa before he passed so it’s a very sentimental boat. The boat was in full use from December 2022 and we had been using it the entire Easter holiday. This was such a freak accident that literally happened on the last morning of the holiday.” says Francois’ sister Charllene.
Francois, along with his parents David (58) and Colleen-Anne (52), was fortunate to escape, but the physical toll this incident had on Francois was profound. His left arm and left leg bore the brunt of the flames, along with the back of his right leg. The road to recovery seemed daunting, but with the help of the incredible medical team at Netcare Milpark Hospital, Francois began his journey toward healing.
Pictured above: The Boshoff family on their boat at Buffelspoort. From left Francois, David, Colleen-Anne, and Charllene
“My dad doesn’t show much emotion when it comes to this stuff. But he became very solemn, so we know he was concerned. My mom was in some shock and felt anxious. He went into the theatre literally within 2 hours of being at the hospital, so it happened very quickly.” Charllene tells us.
“I felt anxious because he doesn’t like doctors in general and I couldn’t be there to support him as I was already on the way back to the dam to pack up. I was in shock at everything that happened so quickly. But we knew he would be receiving the best possible treatment.” says mum Colleen-Anne.
However, the burden of medical expenses loomed large over their family. Without Francois having any medical aid, his family has to pay for his medical costs out of pocket. From intensive care to multiple surgical procedures, the expenses accumulated rapidly, stretching their resources thin.
Pictured above: Francois with mum Colleen-Anne in the ICU burn unit at Milpark Hospital on Easter Monday
To lighten the family’s financial strain and to help cover the costs of Francois’ medical expenses his sister Charllene (24) started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised more than R68 000 of their R240 000 goal with the help of 41 incredible donors.
“These funds would truly help us to not feel overwhelmed with the finances of the incident. But rather focus on the healing, both emotionally and physically. As mentioned in the BackaBuddy campaign text, Francois is not on medical aid, so we are paying for his treatment out of pocket and this has really become an expensive incident. But we could not be more grateful to the medical team that helped him. They really were extremely professional and took the best possible care of him. Francois would not be back on his feet and getting ready to head off on his American adventure if it weren’t for the outstanding medical team. The funds really would be such a relief for the family. We are all doing what we can and giving every penny we make to these expenses and the donations would really just allow us a breath of fresh air in that we are able to move forward from the incident and not be overwhelmed with the bills constantly hanging over us each month.” says Charllene.
The outpouring of support from their community has been nothing short of remarkable. Friends, family, and even strangers have rallied around them, offering words of encouragement and generous contributions to aid in Francois’ recovery. Their kindness has been a ray of light during this trying time, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Pictured above: The Boshoff family enjoying a day out on their boat
“Genuinely thank you. You have no idea how much this helps me and my family. Life has been tough for everyone lately, but its acts of kindness in moments of unprecedented times like this that really show there is good in the world. God really is good.” Francois tells us.
As Francois continues his recovery journey, each day brings new milestones and triumphs. His resilience and determination serve as a source of inspiration to them all, propelling him forward in his healing process. Despite the ongoing challenges, his spirits remain high, buoyed by the love and support that surround him.
“Things happen. We can’t live in fear or regret. We, as a family, and I’m sure many others out there, have had it rough lately. But you need to move forward and just do what you can.” says Francois.
Update: As of April 4th, Francois has made significant progress in his recovery journey. He has been moved out of intensive care and into a general ward, marking a positive step forward. Tomorrow, he will undergo another surgical procedure to assess his skin graft and further clean his burn wounds. Despite the ongoing challenges, Francois remains in good spirits and hopes to be discharged soon.
Pictured above: Francois’ first night at home after being in the hospital
“Francois was relieved to be out of the ICU. He is not a fan of hospitals, so he knew this was closer to him being able to go home. And then especially with his job in the USA lined up, he was worried he wouldn’t be healed in time. So, moving into the general ward was a step in the right direction.” explains Charllene.
Once again, they extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them on this journey. The kindness has made a world of difference, and they are forever grateful for the unwavering support.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Apr 30, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
Liam Coetzee a 18-year-old matric student at Fish Hoek High School in Cape Town, is embarking on a journey from the local rugby fields in South Africa to the international stages in Ireland where he will not only shine bright for his skills but also for his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.
Pictured above: 18-year-old aspiring rugby player Liam Coetzee
“Liam has a good sense of humour and is a great leader. He is very self motivated and determined and once he has set his mind to do something he doesn’t give up. He inspires his peers and is always pushing hard for the next goal.” says Liam’s proud mum Gail.
Born and raised in the heart of South Africa, Liam’s love for rugby ignited when he was just 6-years-old while watching rugby with his dad who is a big fan of the sport. From the moment he first held a rugby ball in primary school, he knew that this sport would be his calling. Over the years, his dedication and determination transformed him into a formidable player, earning him recognition both on and off the field.
At Fish Hoek High School, Liam’s leadership qualities were evident as he was elected head student and appointed captain of the u19 1st team rugby in 2024. His peers and coaches alike admired his unwavering work ethic, persistence, and self-motivation, traits that not only propelled his own performance but also inspired those around him.
Pictured above: Liam with his rugby squad
“Rugby is a true source of happiness where I can develop physically and mentally. It’s an escape from the stress of school and life in general all while being a part of a brotherhood that plays for something bigger than any one player. A career in rugby would be incredible, I’m planning on studying engineering next year but would love to keep playing and maybe go pro.” says Liam
In addition to his achievements in rugby, Liam excelled academically, earning full colours for school academics and the prestigious Springbok Scout award. His ability to balance sporting excellence with academic success speaks volumes about his character and determination to excel in all aspects of life.
Pictured above: Liam with his sister Josie
But Liam’s journey doesn’t stop at the school gates or within the local league. His talent and hard work have caught the attention of scouts beyond South Africa’s borders. Currently, he is attending trials for the Western Province (WP) u19 provincial side, aiming to represent his province at the highest level.
However, the pinnacle of Liam’s rugby journey lies in an opportunity that transcends borders and continents—the Rhino Rugby Touring side. Selected to be a part of this elite squad, Liam will be travelling to Ireland this September to compete alongside international teams, train with top youth players and coaches, and immerse himself in the rich history of rugby.
“This opportunity truly means the world to me, it’s the result of years of passion and belief. Not only from me but from my family, teammates and community. It’s an opportunity to see the sport I love from a whole new perspective.” Liam tells us.
Pictured above: Liam with the Fish Hoek u19 A first team
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not just about playing the game; it’s about experiencing the camaraderie of international competition, learning from the best in the world, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For Liam, it’s a dream come true, a chance to represent his country on foreign soil and showcase his talent on a global stage.
However, realising this dream comes with its challenges. The financial burden of such a trip is significant, especially on short notice. Which is why Liam and his family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already managed to raise over R27 000 of their R50 000 goal with the help of 17 amazing donors.
“I am incredibly grateful for each donation and honestly overwhelmed by the timely support I’ve received. A massive thanks to all for believing in me, your generosity is inspiring and I promise to make the most of it.” says Liam.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Apr 25, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
Ruan Weideman, a vibrant 16-year-old grade 11 student from Tzaneen, Limpopo, attending Ben Vorster High School with dreams as big as his heart, was hit hard with life changing news on February 1st, 2024. What started as a routine dentist visit revealed a nightmare lurking within his upper jaw—a rare and aggressive tumour, threatening not only his health but his very future. In the blink of an eye, Ruan’s life took an unexpected turn, plunging him into a whirlwind of shock and fear.
‘Ruan is a child who has an incredibly strong spirit and protective nature. He is admired for his determination and kindness and has a deep love for animals and others. His caring heart makes everyone feel special just to be near him. He is extremely calm and rational. Although he is an introvert, he does love spending lots of quality time with family and friends. He is a joy and comfort to all, respectful, and has impeccable manners!’ says Ruan’s mum, Nadine
Pictured above: 16-year-old Ruan Weideman
As one half of identical twins, Ruan has always been an extraordinary young man—bright, hardworking, and filled with an infectious zest for life. But now, his world has been turned upside down by the relentless growth of an Odontogenic Myxoma, a non-malignant tumour wreaking havoc in his upper jaw. This insidious growth is not only destroying tissue but also creeping dangerously close to vital structures, including his brain.
‘The tumour is growing aggressively faster than expected and has now burst through into Ruan’s mouth. It causes light bleeding which causes nausea. The tumour is shedding into his mouth, and he has small sores and blisters inside his mouth which causes pain and discomfort. The part of the tumour that is growing laterally inside his right nostril, gets irritated and he struggles with breathing and sinus-like symptoms. He also finds it difficult to eat. The right side of his face is slightly distended and he struggles to concentrate for long periods of time and gets headaches frequently.’ explains Nadine
Pictured above: Ruan with his mum Nadine and his twin Erard
With each passing day, the tumour’s relentless expansion brings forth new complications, raising the stakes for Ruan’s treatment and recovery. Specialists emphasise the urgency of specialised surgery to halt its progression and safeguard his future. However, this lifeline comes at an exorbitant cost, one that weighs heavily on a family already burdened by tragedy.
Ruan’s family, led by a single mother of three, has already weathered the storm of loss when Ruan and his twin brother Erard were just nine years old, their dad was suddenly taken from them. Now, faced with the looming spectre of this rare tumour, they find themselves grappling with the daunting reality of medical expenses they simply cannot afford.
‘When Ruan was diagnosed it felt as if my whole world was about to collapse and I could not help but feel extremely sad and shocked for what was happening to my son. I was in total disbelief! How could this happen to someone so undeserving? I felt helpless and alone, scared of losing him and unsure of what I could do to help. I was not prepared to lose another loved one! But now I feel that God has sent an army of angels along our way, strengthened our support system and guided us along the way. We have courage. We have strength. We have hope!’ Nadine tell us.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but Ruan refuses to let fear dictate his fate. He dreams of a future where he can pursue his passions and aspirations, but time is not on his side. Urgent action is needed to raise the necessary funds for his specialised surgery and hospitalisation, including the expertise of surgeons and the crucial support of mental health professionals.
Pictured above: Ruan Weideman
‘All Ruan wants is to be tumour free! To be able to eat properly, speak normally, to one day have a perfect smile and teeth. To be healthy again, to be able to go to the gym again and to visit his friends on his (imaginary) motorbike!’ says Nadine
To help alleviate the burdens of the looming medical bills, Ruan’s family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R74 000 of their R900 000 goal with the help of 55 incredible donors.
The money raised will help Ruan get the life saving operation he desperately needs. The hope of Mone and her family is to raise enough money so that Ruan’s future medical needs are taken care of as he will need to be monitored for tumour recurrence, statistically this tumour has a 30% recurrence. Frequent amendments to his obturator, scans, speech therapy and reconstructive surgery, and more medical needs are also included.
‘Ruan is extremely grateful for all the help and he is blown away by how much people care for those who truly need it. He is looking to the future with hope and positivity and wants to become a Dentist one day.’ says Nadine
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Apr 23, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
James Dunford (19) from Hillcrest, Kwa-Zulu Natal, is a courageous and resilient young man who has found himself thrust into a battle against osteosarcoma, a ruthless cancer that occurs in the bones. Yet, amid the darkness of his diagnosis, James’s spirit shines brightly, illuminating a path of hope and strength for all who know him.
Pictured above: 19-year-old James Dunford
“James is an incredibly determined young man, with an unwavering commitment to achieving his goals. He enjoys the outdoors and is always eager to try new things. He is incredibly kind and loves to give unconditionally. His unyielding faith provides him with an inner strength.” says Brett, James’ dad.
James’ journey began in October 2022, during his grade 11 year at Westville Boys High, when he first experienced the agonising pain in his knee. What followed were scans, biopsies, and a diagnosis that would change his life forever. Despite the daunting road ahead, James faced his treatment with determination, undergoing surgery in Pretoria to remove the tumour and preserve his leg.
“Learning of my osteosarcoma diagnosis I initially didn’t show any emotions, focusing on reassuring my family and girlfriend that I was okay. I believed that showing them my strength would help them stay strong. However, as I processed the true implications of the diagnosis and the sacrifices ahead, I became overwhelmed with confusion. I questioned why this was happening to me, feeling as though I was being robbed of typical experiences for a seventeen-year-old, such as planning for the future, attending university, and participating in sports that I loved.” says James.
Pictured above: James and his family at a birthday party
But the battle was far from over while writing his matric last year James also went through chemotherapy and further surgeries which forced him to leave behind the familiar halls of Westville Boys High School at the end of his grade 11 year in 2022. Undeterred, he enrolled in Curro online at the beginning of the academic year in 2023 with the determination of completing his matric. Even as the cancer spread to his lungs, James remained steadfast in his pursuit of education, bravely writing his exams amidst ongoing treatment.
However, during his mid-year trials and three months into his remission James and his family found out the osteosarcoma had spread to his lungs – making it stage four. James had decided to have surgery to remove the tumour and through all of this he was able to achieve a bachelors pass for his matric year.
“Brett and I had come to terms with James facing a challenging battle in 2022 and 2023, but we never anticipated the osteosarcoma spreading to his lungs so aggressively. Our hearts ache for James and our family as we grapple with his prognosis. While we strive to be realistic, we also hold onto faith and hope, knowing that miracles can happen in this fight.” says James’ mum Tamlyn
In January 2024, James underwent yet another round of surgeries, including a lobectomy, which is the removal of a lobe in the lung, in a relentless effort to combat the cancer that threatened his life. Despite the physical toll of his treatments, James’s spirit remains unbroken. He finds solace in his passions – from his love for Formula 1 to his appreciation for nature and music, particularly his skillful strumming of the guitar.
Pictured above: James out for early morning fishing
“Despite all my other passions, the most significant one I grew was the love for the Lord Jesus Christ . I learnt that despite whatever situation you have or what you are going through despite how bad it is, at the end of the day we are saved by his grace, so what more is there to ask for . I like to think of the verse Romans 8:18. “The pain that you’ve been feeling, can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” As I journeyed through cancer, my other passions grew. Listening to music became my escape during chemotherapy treatment and it helped me sleep at night. I started to practise playing my guitars for multiple hours a day. Additionally my love for motor sport grew especially after my knee replacement hindered certain movements. Despite this, driving remained a source of freedom and normalcy for me, allowing me to operate a car as if nothing had changed. This led me to watching and seeking to expand my knowledge and appreciation for the sport.” explains James
Yet, amidst the strength and resilience, there lies a palpable sense of urgency. Recent medical procedures have brought sobering news, with doctors predicting that James may have only one year left to live. Faced with this stark reality, James is determined to seize every precious moment, creating lasting memories with his beloved family.
But the road ahead is not without its challenges. As medical expenses mount and James’s needs evolve, the Dunford family finds themselves in need of support – from financial assistance to the hiring of a nurse/carer and home adaptations to accommodate James’s needs.
Pictured above: James with his family at the hospital
To alleviate the financial burden, a really good friend of the family, Taryn Armour, has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R114 000 of his R500 000 with the help of 82 incredible donors.
“We are absolutely blown away by how kind everyone has been. The money raised will allow James to tick off his bucket list and make the most amazing memories with loved ones along the way. Long term we will need to look at adapting our home to James requirements.” says James’ parents.
As a community, we have the power to make a difference in James’s life – to stand beside him, offering our love, support, and encouragement every step of the way. Together, let us rally around this remarkable young man and his family, ensuring that they are able to celebrate life and create cherished memories, free from the confines of hospital walls and treatment rooms.
“To me, a donor is someone who selflessly offers something from themselves to help another person or cause. Whether it’s time, money, support or prayers. I want to express my immense gratitude. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to pursue activities I enjoy and create the most amazing memories with my family and loved ones.” says James.
