Reece Trumpelmann (17), a teenager from Bapsfontein, Gauteng, with the courage of a lion, was diagnosed with Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, an extremely rare cancer condition in 2016.
After bumping his jaw while playing on a jumping castle, Reece was taken to hospital, and after a number of tests and X-rays at Steve Biko Hospital, Reece’s parents Marsha Trumpelmann (43) and Bjorn Trumpelmann (46) were informed that their son had an autosomal dominant inherited disorder which is virtually unknown in South Africa.
Reece’s mom, Marsha describes her son’s harrowing medical journey.
“Gorlin Syndrome, also known as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, is an inherited condition that affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of developing various cancerous and non-cancerous tumours.
It is caused by the loss of functions due to mutations in the tumour suppressor gene Patch1 which encodes the Sonic Hedghog Pathway.
You get different levels of this syndrome but unfortunately, Reece has been hit hard with most of the criteria. Currently, some of his symptoms are Multiple odontogenic tumours in his jaw which are attacking him constantly.
Our son has had over 40 removed and lost 16 teeth, he has had multiple bone grafts as well as multiple basal cell carcinomas, Extensive Calcification of the flax celebri, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Bifid rib, Major sinus issues, Deviated Septum, Endocrine system problems, Heart problems (fibroma), GERD stage 4, Palmer and Planter pits, Hydrochephylys, Glaucoma, and Sleep apnea.
Picture above: Marcsha and Reece
His current specialists are Pediatric oncologist, Geneticist, Maxilofacial surgeon, Neuro Surgeon, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Ophthalmologist, Specialised Dentistry, ENT, and Plastic Surgeon.” says Marsha
Reece is currently being treated at Arwyp, Linmead, Wilgers, Glynwood, Midstream and so many other different hospitals by specialists to help give him the best care and comfort.
“We have finally after a long road found a magnificent team that truly has Reece in their best interests. I am so grateful. Reece needs so many things, tests and procedures done at the moment, and because of the finances, I just cannot do it. Our medical aid runs out in February already; as you can imagine, the bills are huge. Some things are not covered at all.”
Managing Reece’s chronic illness has placed tremendous financial strain on the family, who are faced with constant mounting medical bills.
To help cover Reece’s co-payments on his top-tier medical aid, the family have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with the support of a non-profit organisation, Arms of Mercy, to ensure Reece gets the treatment he needs.
Currently, Reece’s fundraising target stands at R200 000.
“I will never ever give up fighting for this warrior. He has been to hell and back. He has had more operations than I can remember since he was diagnosed.” – says Marsha
Picture above: Reece with his parents, Marsha and Bjorn, and his sisters Abigail (23) and Savannah (21).
Since last November, Reece has had an unsuccessful major jaw and sinuses reconstruction surgery. He has had over 50 tumours removed and recently came out of ICU and high care after having another major surgery
“Our son, Reece is truly a fighter and such a beautiful soul. All I want for Reece is happiness and comfort. I want to try to alleviate his pain and discomfort. I am just a mom fighting for my boy. Thank you for reading this and if you feel it in your heart please share his story. We truly need help in any way or form. God bless you all.” – says Marsha Trumpelmann.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R330 Million.
Maluuk Explores Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Adrienne Short from South Africa,hopes to visit 20 secondary schools in the Hwange province, Zimbabwe, to provide 788 girls with a long-term sustainable solution to sanitaryware.
It is estimated that over 2.3 billion people do not have access to essential sanitation services, and only 27% of the population have access to a home-based handwashing facility with soap and water. The lack of these basic facilities at home makes managing periods at home a major challenge for women and adolescent girls.
Based on research, Maluuk Explores Foundation has found that 45% of girls end up making use of old cloth and rags, 29% use cotton wool, 18% use pads and 3% reported even using newspapers and leaves.
There are currently very few or no sanitary products available to schoolgirls in disadvantaged countries, be it disposables or reusables because the materials are too expensive or difficult to acquire.
Girls shouldn’t miss school. Period.
Becoming a woman should be a celebration. Instead, in many parts of Africa, menstruation remains shrouded in shame and ignorance, impacting the health, education and dignity of women and girls.
Without a sustainable sanitary solution, girls potentially miss 528 days of education throughout their schooling career due to the lack of facilities at school, lack of awareness around menstruation, embarrassment, menstrual pain, and the inability to afford hygienic sanitary materials.
If girls are missing their education because of menstruation, this reduces their future career prospects. These factors have a negative bearing on their educational performance.
“I am hoping that you will see my vision and join forces with Maluuk Explores Foundation to implement our project objectives of closing the gender inequalities, assisting to end period poverty, empowering the women and youth in these areas and investing in the future female leaders”, says founder, Adrienne Short.
The goal is to provide a sustainable eco-friendly solution that would see the girls through their secondary school career by offering them a re-usable product that requires only hand washing, and should with proper care and maintenance last 3-5years.
To secure funding for Project Phumelela, Maluuk Explores Foundation has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of over R200 000 to help provide long-term, sustainable solutions to a critical problem that affects the health and livelihood of many young girls.
“We Believe Lack of education about menstruation is one of the many barriers to achieving adequate menstrual hygiene worldwide. Creating awareness and openness is one of the most effective ways to help teach girls how to properly manage their menstrual hygiene.”
Since the launch of the campaign, over R9000 has been raised with kind contributions from 14 donors.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R330 Million.
Elias Dlamini a plumber from Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal tragically lost his wife, son, home and everything he owned, in the violent floods that affected the coast on the early morning of 12 April 2022.
While Elias was able to rescuetwo of his sons from the debris, the aftermath of a devastating landslide, and they are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries, he was unable to find his 11-year-old son and wife in time.
Uplifting Elias
To help Elias in his time of need, the company he works for, AllPlumb Projects Pty Ltd, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of R200 000, hoping the public would open their hearts to help him get back on his feet.
“This man has done nothing but good, he works hard, is of sober habits, he is a man of very few words but shines through his smile. This is an absolute tragedy that should never happen to such a wonderful person.” says his employer and friend, Justin Allison from AllPlumb Projects Pty Ltd.
With overwhelming support from 77 donors, more than R170 000 were kindly donated to Elias, who is still coming to terms with the life-changing tragedy he has experienced.
He hopes to rebuild his humble home and care for his surviving sons with continued support.
“Please help this good man who has been through hell. Every little bit counts. Any remaining funds will be used for groceries and school fees for his surviving children,” says Justin.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R323 Million.
Rays of Hope, a non-profit organization based in Alexandra, Johannesburg, is hoping to raise R1 million to grow its team of social workers who play a pivotal role in empowering vulnerable residents who live in the township
“When you’re sick, a doctor can assess the problem and give you a diagnosis and prescription, and when you’re struggling emotionally, you can speak to a good friend or even a psychologist,” explains Bertha Muchadeyi, Social Work and Vulnerable Programmes Manager at Rays of Hope.
“But who do you speak to when life happens, and you don’t know who to turn to for help or where to find the practical information you need to get your life back on track?
“That’s where social workers come in – they are specially trained professionals who can think critically about challenges and design and implement solutions that are relevant to each person’s needs so that they can overcome the challenges they face,” she says.
The demand for social workers is enormous in a South African context, where unemployment, gender-based violence, sexuality and teenage pregnancy plague our society. Despite this, many people facing these challenges do not know what social workers can do for them or even how to find one.
While Rays of Hope has expanded its social worker pool to serve the Alexandra community, the need is much greater than the funding available to support it – despite the fact that many of its social workers provide their services for free.
“We also believe that social workers should earn more than the R5,000 that is common within environments like Alexandra, making our goal a dual one: that of employing more social workers to support the community, and of paying them a salary that recognises their skill and importance,” she adds.
By employing more social workers in Alexandra, they can help everyone in the community build a better future, whether that is by counselling families in mental and physical health, connecting indigent families with aid organizations, assisting them in overcoming addictions, or providing job opportunities and skill training.
Rays of Hopes has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to help cover their running costs, which are estimated to be R1 000 000 this year alone.
Securing much-needed funds will allow the organization to expand its resources and assist more individuals in the community.
“So many of Alexandra’s residents are stuck in the same cycles of gender-based violence, unemployment, and poverty that their parents and grandparents were,” Bertha says.
“We know that a dedicated team of social workers can help break these cycles and give people the tools, knowledge and confidence that they need to move beyond the legacies of this township.
“We’re appealing to Johannesburg’s people – most of whom engage with an Alex resident every day of their lives – to help make this a reality. No contribution is too small, and every contribution will help make a positive difference to this community, to their future, and to the future of the city,” John Shuttleworth, interim CEO of Rays of Hope, adds.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R350 Million.
If you have arrived on this page, you may need help finding your donors before setting up your first crowdfunding campaign.
Where can I find my donors?
1. Reach out to family and friends first.
The first people who donate to your campaign are very important.
The public tends to support campaigns if they can see that a number of people have already teamed up behind the cause.
Just as no one wants to be the first person on the dancefloor, a campaign with donors is more inviting, creates a sense of community, shows the campaign is active and is more likely to reach its target.
People who don’t know you personally, also trust campaigns more readily if they can see your loved ones have vouched for your cause, by means of donating or through affectionate comments.
Based on our research, if family or friends are the ones who contribute to a campaign first, we have found that they are likely to raise 220% more funds.
2. Reach out to your wider network
Once you have gotten support from loved ones, it’s time to reach out to more people you know.
Let your extended family, neighbours, co-workers, social groups, church, school or university friends and local community know about your campaign.
With the initial support you would have received, your wider network acts as an amplifier of sorts, spreading your campaign to more people and building on your first donations.
3. Social Media
Campaigns with initial support that are shared on social media, tend to raise 5 times more funds.
When introducing your campaign on social media, it is best to include a friendly photo, a video talking about your fundraiser, and a short description that lets readers know exactly what your need is and how funds could positively impact you or your beneficiary.
4. Reach out to your local radio station, newspaper or influencers
If your campaign has started raising funds, you have shared it on social media, then it is a great idea to reach out to your local media houses, to see if they would like to write about your story or share it on the airways.
Think about the media publications you are familiar with, visit the contact us section on their website, and send a message to introduce yourself and your cause.
Do you have any questions?
The BackaBuddy team is here to help guide you throughout your crowdfunding journey.
