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.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Apr 2, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
10-year-old Marcus-Craig Knop, affectionately known as MC from Witbank, Johannesburg, is a little boy who embodies resilience and courage despite facing challenges hidden beneath his seemingly ordinary exterior.
MC is a non-verbal autistic and unique little boy who was first diagnosed at 22 months old with Pervasive Developmental Delay, an informal diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He was formally diagnosed with ASD when he was three years old. Being non-verbal autistic meant that MC did not communicate with anyone, and this diagnosis, while tough on MC, was also really difficult for his family.
Image above: MC during the Woodside Sanctuary Spring Day festivities
‘At first, it felt like our whole world was tumbling into pieces. All the hopes and dreams I had for MC changed overnight. Yet, this was the beginning of a brand-new adventure.’ says Meryke, MC’s mum.
However, two years ago in 2021 MC found solace in the embrace of Woodside Sanctuary, a home for the intellectually disabled, which offers daily stimulation, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, morning ring, social outings which are accompanied by staff, regular doctor visits (in house), annual psychiatric evaluations and checkups. For MC and his family, the journey to finding the perfect place for him was arduous, but when they discovered Woodside, it became a ray of hope and transformation.
Within the nurturing walls of Woodside, MC has flourished in unimaginable ways. In just two years, he has achieved milestones that once seemed out of reach, surpassing seven years of progress elsewhere. Through the dedicated care and support provided at Woodside, MC has found his voice, making friends, and even mastering the art of speaking some Zulu words.
Image above: MC in a colouring activity class in the simulation department at Woodside Sanctuary
‘Radical improvement are the words that describe how Woodside has changed MC’s life. He has gained a vocabulary that ranges far wider than I could ever expect. He is now fully potty trained. His social skills improved so much that we can now go on family outings and eat at a restaurant. He is no longer running away at the first chance he gets. He can now compose himself and verbalise his basic needs.’ says proud mum Meryke.
The journey towards independence has been significant for MC. Every step forward at Woodside reflects a triumph of spirit and determination. Here, MC receives comprehensive therapy and stimulation tailored to his needs, ensuring holistic development and growth.
More than just a care facility, Woodside is home to MC. It’s a place where he is not judged but celebrated for his uniqueness. Surrounded by peers and caregivers who understand him, MC can truly be himself, embracing his true identity without fear or reservation.
Image above: MC with his mum Meryke, dad Petrus, and siblings Megan, Cayleb, and Klara
Yet, amidst the warmth and love of Woodside, financial constraints loom large for MC’s family. With monthly fees amounting to R13,649.00 and additional expenses for medications and other necessities, the financial burden weighs heavily on his mother, who strives to provide for MC and his siblings on a teacher’s salary.
Despite receiving minimal financial support from MC’s biological father, the financial strain persists, threatening MC’s continued stay at Woodside. As an NPO, Woodside faces its own financial challenges, unable to fully fund MC’s care amidst numerous responsibilities.
MC and his family are reaching out for help through their crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R18 000 of his R228 000 with the help of 21 amazing donors.
Image above: MC at the Woodside Sanctuary Christmas party
‘With the money raised on BackaBuddy, MC will be able to stay at Woodside and continue his journey of improvement. He will be able to have his friends with him and will receive the care and therapy that he so desperately needs and deserves.’ explains Meryke.
Their humble request echoes the sentiment of countless families navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with special needs. With your assistance, MC can continue to thrive at Woodside, embracing every opportunity to grow and develop to his full potential.
‘Thank you to each and every one who has donated to MC’s campaign. I know that thank you may seem too little for the huge impact that you are making in MC’s life and future. If I could, I would scream from the rooftops how extremely thankful and grateful I am to each and every person donor that generously opened up their hearts towards MC.’
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Mar 15, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
Sam Stewart, a 48-year-old International External Affairs Manager from Plumstead, has been on a roller coaster journey of challenges, victories, and an unwavering spirit that refuses to surrender.
Nineteen years ago in 2005, Sam received a devastating diagnosis—breast cancer with a mere 7% chance of survival and only six months to live. Against all odds, she triumphed over cancer, not just for herself but for countless others facing the same battle.
Pictured above: Sam Stewart
“Sam was in a complete state of shock and disbelief when she found out that she had cancer. She was coerced into having surgery by the surgeon without any second opinion. A decision she regrets as she knows now that the surgeon only gets paid for surgery. Not for making the patient think of options. She knows that cancer is now behind her but this is after having been 152 times to the chemo room over 10 years. Sam is now on only natural health remedies.” says Natalie Dreisenstock, a long time friend of Sam who took the incredible initiative to share Sam’s story with everyone who would listen.
Sam’s tenacity extended beyond her personal triumph as she fought for the right treatment, forming an NGO that aids patients in navigating the complexities of medical aid treatments. This organisation, born from her own struggle, continues to be a spark of hope for those in need.
In the midst of this noble endeavour, Sam and her husband Allan (59), faced a different kind of adversity during the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic—financial ruin. The couple were in a very stable financial position and Sam left her corporate job with Hewlett Packard (HP) to focus on her true passion of motivational speaking and her NGO SoulSync assisting cancer patients to access treatment. Allan had been employed for over 7 years with a large South African IT company, as the Regional Executive for the Cape Region.
Pictured above: Sam and her husband, Allan enjoying a night out
“The hardest part about losing everything is your pride, the best part of it is how liberating it is to be free of all the consumer driven expenses that mean absolutely nothing really. We were forced to look at what really matters in life, we learnt to live on next to nothing and our relationship just got stronger and stronger as the only thing we really had was one another.” says Allan.
At the end of 2019, Allan received an excellent offer to join a global IT Organisation. By March 2020 Covid and the associated national and international lockdowns took the world by storm, and Allan found himself a casualty of the global cutbacks, so many of us experienced. He left the company in October 2020 and since then has applied for countless positions and attempted to start his own business. For some time they survived on savings, but ultimately ended up living with friends or house-sitting to keep a roof over their heads.
In August 2023 Sam found a permanent position with World Animal Protection and they were finally able to rent a home, having moved an astounding 19 times in just two and a half years, and get on to medical aid again. Allan has been putting all his energy into getting his 2 businesses, Flowte Franchise and SalesSync, a coaching business, off the ground.
Pictured above: Sam and Allan Stewart
“I was ecstatic when I got the job. It was such a wonderful time, I was finally going to do something for animals which is my biggest passion and joy. Getting this job also meant having medical aid and a place to stay and start over again.” says Sam
However, just as they glimpsed a positive turn, fate dealt a cruel blow—Sam suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on February 4th 2024.
The stroke, a severe deep brain bleed in the basal ganglia, left Sam paralyzed on her right side and robbed her of speech. Allan, who is an ex-medic, acted swiftly, and managed to get Sam to emergency care within 15 minutes. Though Sam has made some progress in her recovery, her ability to conduct business conversations, read, spell, or grasp complex concepts remains impaired.
The problem they face now is Sam will unlikely be able to work for the next 8 months to a year, and it is critical that during her recovery they have sufficient income to pay for medical aid and rent. Allan will have to act as Sam’s primary care-giver as they cannot afford full time care, and that will impact his ability to work.
Pictured above: Sam in hospital after her stroke
Navigating the complexities of the medical system has become yet another battle for the couple. The medical aid, despite being legally obligated to cover Sam’s condition as a prescribed minimum benefit, has proven challenging as they tried in every possible way to delay the authorisation for the emergency. Their fight for authorization, therapies, and proper care is ongoing, adding to the mounting pressure on both Sam and Allan.
Amidst this struggle, Allan has put his businesses on hold to focus on Sam’s recovery. Sam’s own employment is at risk due to the obvious challenges she faces. The couple, demonstrating resilience and commitment, face each day with determination, love, and strength, even as time works against them.
Now, a call for support echoes through their story. Friends, family, and well-wishers are rallying to raise R300 000 through a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already managed to raise over R80 000 with the help of 27 incredible donors.
Pictured above: Sam enjoying being surrounded by nature and sunshine
The money raised will alleviate financial burdens, cover medical expenses beyond the aid rates, provide necessary care, and supplement lost revenue from work. The hope is to ease the financial strain, granting Sam the time and resources needed for a thorough recovery—estimated to be no less than eight months and potentially exceeding a year.
“The generosity and kindness that has been shown to us is overwhelming. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We’ve been through tough and defining times before and we are determined to get through this challenge with flying colours. Watch out for Sam 2.0, the upgrade who will emerge. Without your help this would be near to impossible.” concludes Allan.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Mar 15, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
5-month-old Leah Strydom from Westonaria in Johannesburg, is a tiny warrior who has been diagnosed with congenital hearing loss due to the uncommon occurrence of having different hearing loss levels in each ear.
‘Leah is such a delight at five months old! Every time she wakes up, her face lights up with the biggest smile, radiating joy and contentment. She’s always chattering away, and her happiness is infectious – being around her just fills you with warmth and happiness. She hardly ever cries, taking everything in her stride, which makes parenting feel effortless. Mornings with her are absolutely heartwarming; her smile sets a positive tone for the whole day. Leah is already so social and playful, curious about everything around her. Her calm and peaceful presence makes spending time with her the highlight of the day. She’s not just a joy to be around; she’s like your little partner in all the daily adventures!’ explains Leah’s mum Mandy.
Pictured above: Baby Leah Strydom
Leah’s story begins during her time in the womb, where unforeseen circumstances added a layer of complexity to her health. At 19 weeks pregnant, Leah’s mother Mandy was hospitalised with Influenza A. Concerns arose when, during the 24-week scan, Leah’s head growth lagged by two weeks, prompting a referral to a sonographer and then a fetal specialist. The possibility of Microcephaly, a neurological condition characterised by an abnormally small head size in infants, was discussed, but negative blood tests ruled out infections. Despite recommendations for DNA testing and an MRI, Leah’s parents chose to embrace her as she was, trusting in what they believed to be God’s plan.
‘As Leah’s parents, we were deeply saddened when we learned about her hearing loss. Despite facing difficulties during pregnancy, we were committed to caring for our beloved daughter no matter what challenges came our way. At first, we didn’t fully understand the extent of her hearing impairment, so we prepared ourselves for potential struggles. Fortunately, her hearing loss turned out to be less severe than we initially feared, especially compared to the concurrent concern of microcephaly. Without delay, we began learning about hearing technology, hoping for a positive outcome that would help Leah experience the world of sound. ‘ says Mandy
Pictured above: Baby Leah with her mum Mandy, dad Peet, and sister Mialeigh
Leah’s hearing loss became apparent when she failed her newborn hearing test. A series of OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions), sounds that the ear produces in response to external stimuli, tests and an AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response), type of hearing screening or diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brain stem in response to sound stimuli, followed, all indicating that she could hear, albeit not perfectly. The conclusive diagnostic ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) and SSR (Steady-State Response) confirmed the hearing impairment, marking the beginning of Leah’s unique exploration into the world of sound.
‘As parents, we went through a roller coaster of emotions when we found out that our 4-month-old baby has damaged hair cells and severe hearing loss. It was tough news to digest, but we took comfort in knowing that there are options for hearing solutions. With the help of hearing devices, we believe she can achieve the best possible hearing.’ – says Peet, Leah’s dad.
Leah’s parents then embarked on a journey of extensive testing and medical examinations. MRI results came back normal, ruling out any brain-related issues. However, Leah’s right ear presented mild to severe sloping hearing loss, while her left ear exhibited moderate to severe flat hearing loss, resulting in an average of 39% hearing loss.
Pictured above: A happy, baby Leah
Crucial for Leah’s speech and language development in these early stages, bilateral hearing aids have been prescribed. The Audiologist recommends fitting them by the time she turns six months old. However, the financial burden of the hearing aids and the costs associated with the numerous tests conducted pose a significant challenge.
‘Leah has been wearing demo hearing aids for about two weeks now, and we’ve seen incredible progress. Once we have the funds, she’ll get her permanent set programmed. In the beginning, she struggled a bit with adjusting to them, sometimes feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated. But lately, we’ve noticed a positive change. She’s gone from being quiet and cautious to laughing and chatting more when she’s wearing hearing aids.’ – explains Leah’s parents.’ explains Leah’s parents
Quotes ranging from R35 190 to R53 705 for the hearing aids have added financial strain, leaving Leah’s family uncertain about covering the testing fees. This has led the family to set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy with a target of R372 462 of which they have already raised over R2 500 with the help of 6 amazing donors.
Pictured above: Baby Leah at her first Christmas photo shoot with mum Mandy, dad Peet, and sister Mialeigh
Their aim of this campaign is to raise the necessary funds to provide Leah with the hearing aids and cover the costs of the tests.
‘Thank you for taking the time to read Leah’s story. We’re grateful for any support you can provide. Together, we can make a real difference in Leah’s journey to better hearing. Whether you’re able to contribute financially or not, every bit of support means a lot to Leah and our family. With the demo hearing aids, Leah has already made great progress, and your generosity can help her continue to thrive. Your support will not only contribute to Leah’s hearing journey but also serve as a testament to the kindness that binds us as a community.’ they conclude.
UPDATE:
As Leah’s first birthday approaches, her family is filled with both hope and urgency. Recently, they discovered that Leah’s hearing on her left side is much worse than initially thought, making a cochlear implant an essential step for her development. The procedure, however, comes with a significant cost of R373,000, and the family is determined to raise the necessary funds in time for this life-changing implant.
Next month also marks Deaf Awareness Month, a time that holds special significance for Leah and her loved ones. They dream of celebrating her first birthday by giving her the precious gift of hearing, allowing her to experience the world in a way she has never known. The journey has been challenging, but with the support of the community, Leah’s family remains hopeful that they can reach this goal and provide her with the chance to hear the laughter, music, and love that surrounds her every day.
