Life can take unexpected turns, challenging us in ways we never imagined. Such is the case for 27-year-old Jason Brits’ from Pretoria, a talented glass blower whose life was forever altered by a devastating road accident in September 2022.
As he sought medical attention at a state hospital, regrettably due to not having any medical aid, Jason received subpar treatment, leaving his foot with shattered and swelling carpal bones, nerve, tendon, and muscle damage, and rendering it unusable. Due to the extent of damage to the bones, nerve damage and incorrect medical care has left him with atrophy and if left untreated, amputation would be an option to relieve him of the constant pain he is suffering.
Pictured above: Jason Brits
With no other choice, Jason sought a second opinion from Dr. Pieter Coertze, a renowned specialist at Montana Hospital in Pretoria. The consultation brought a ray of hope as Dr. Coertze diagnosed that with corrective surgery, Jason’s foot could be salvaged. The infected bones need to be removed, paving the way for physiotherapy which would enable Jason to walk without pain and work again. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the surgery must take place as soon as possible for the inflicted bones have a high possibility of turning gangrenous which will result in the irreversible decision of amputation.
The severity of Jason’s injury not only affects him but also has far-reaching consequences for his wife, Emlee, and their unborn child. Their once-stable life turned upside down as Jason’s injury forced him into unemployment. With no other financial support, Emlee is now the sole provider for their family. The impending arrival of their first child makes the situation even more heart-wrenching. Jason’s greatest wish is to be an active and supportive husband and an engaged father, free from the limitations of a limp or amputated leg.
Pictured above: Jason with wife, Emlee
Jason’s aspirations extend beyond his own well-being. He yearns to be a supportive husband and an active father, engaging in all the adventures and joys that come with parenthood. His desire to walk, run, play, climb, and be an equal participant in his child’s life fuels his determination to undergo the necessary surgery and reclaim his life as an artisan, a supportive husband, and a loving father and caregiver.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
In pursuit of restoring hope and mobility, Jason and his family have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for his medical journey. The family has since raised R64 837 towards his target of R150 000.00.
“After the accident, aiding my wife with rent and food, I was left penniless. My wife and I had no means to afford further medical expenses and for a time gave up on trying to find hope in resolving our changed lives. Once news came to light of my wife’s pregnancy and we heard of BackaBuddy, did the spark of hope return. We made an active effort, with the support of family members, to seek out a better doctor and start a campaign to have the surgery needed so that I may return into the fold of my career and to begin the great adventure of starting a family; of being a father. BackaBuddy has shown us that if there is a will there’s a way and if there is a way life will, with no doubt be better in the end!”
Pictured above: Jason Brits and his mentor
Life is full of unexpected challenges, and Jason Brits’ journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing the heartbreak of a life-altering injury, he remains determined to reclaim his life as a glass blower, husband, and father. With the support and generosity of the community, we can rally together to help Jason get the corrective surgery he urgently needs. This act of compassion and kindness will not only change his life but also bring hope and joy to his family’s future. Let’s come together and be a part of Jason’s second chance – a chance to rebuild his dreams and embrace the boundless possibilities of life once again.
For more information or to support Jason’s campaign, please visit: BackaBuddy campaign:
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 R420 Million.
Mpumalanga resident, Robin Lewis, and his wife, Jolandie, will embark on a 10-year 64-country journey spanning three continents to spread global awareness around the importance of stem cell donation.
Pictured above: Robin Lewis and his wife, Jolandie, in hospital following his stem cell transplant in 2018. Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia, a genetic DNA repair disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukaemia and or solid tumors in the body.
The pair, who will start their Matches on the Map journey from their hometown Nelspruit in August, will be travelling an estimated 110 000 kilometres through Africa, Europe, and Asia in their one-of-a-kind custom-built motorhome affectionately known as “Betsy”. The vehicle is an old fire truck that has been converted to run on “used” cooking oil to be more sustainable and save on diesel costs.
The husband-and-wife duo was inspired to take on this project, following a successful stem cell transplant after Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia – a genetic DNA repair disorder that may lead to bone marrow failure, leukaemia and or solid cancerous tumors.
The chance of finding a matching donor is like a needle in a haystack given the number of donors registered worldwide, but thankfully Robin went on to have a haploidentical (partially matched) transplant. This was the only matched donor available for Robin in the
world.
Lewis hopes that they can help patients who find themselves in a similar situation. Their objective is to sign up thousands of donors in partnership with the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), as they journey through each continent, starting in Africa.
“If it wasn’t for the stem cell transplant, I would not be here today. Since then, we’ve been plotting ideas of how to raise greater public awareness around stem cell donation, and that’s how ‘Matches on the Map’ was born.”
Picture above: On the right is their one-of-a-kind motorhome, dubbed “Betsy”, that will provide transport and accommodation for the pair on their 3 650-day journey.
The aim is to add diversity not only to the SABMR but registry databases in countries they will be travelling to with the goal of finding matches for patients en route.
Lewis says planning the expedition has taken hundreds of hours of research, looking at routes, locations, border crossings and safety concerns. This while at the same time building Betsy which has taken up the most part of four years.
“After my transplant five years ago, my wife and I started planning the trip with the hope of changing the world. Our plan was very ambitious, and we soon realised that we couldn’t do it alone. As Fanconi Anemia nearly claimed my life, we decided that we would also focus on establishing support groups for patients with this disease as we make our way through various countries, meeting up with families that are affected, and sharing their stories.
“Building the truck has taken us four years and we can’t wait to get on the road with Betsy and officially get the Matches on the Map project underway. We’re very grateful for the SABMR, who will be assisting us with stem cell donor kits, documentation, export and import logistics, marketing efforts and support every step of the way. They’ve been 100% behind us since day one.”
Nadia Chalkley, Head of Donor Recruitment for the SABMR says Matches on the Map will allow access to a broad and much more diverse spectrum of donors.
“Ethnicity plays a huge role in finding donor matches, especially for patients of colour. Currently, only 35% of our donor base is of colour, which is not reflective of the demographic make-up of South Africa. This limits our ability to find matches for patients who are of African or Indian descent.”
“While we are making progress through our in-person community drives across the country and online donor registrations, we need to consistently educate and sign up donors to give all patients a fighting chance. This project will bring us closer to making our donor database more diverse. The more donors we have from various ethnic backgrounds, the greater the chances of a match,” she says.
Lewis explains there is still a lot of work that is required before Betsy takes off on her maiden voyage.
“We still have a way to go before Betsy gets on the road, but we are confident that we will have her completed in time. We have launched a crowdfunding campaign via Backabuddy in collaboration with the SABMR to assist us with ongoing operational costs on the road and to raise additional funds for the Registry’s donor recruitment efforts as stem cell kits and the processing thereof is quite expensive.”
“We want to appeal to corporates and the public to come on board and help us fulfil this dream of making a meaningful change in the lives of patients who require a stem cell transplant. The likelihood of people from certain ethnic backgrounds finding a successful match is a mere 37% compared to patients from European descent whose chances are 72%. As a survivor myself, I know what a harrowing experience it is to have to wait for a donor match when you’re running out of time.”
Since the launch of the crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, over R2000 has been raised towards their fundraising target of R150 000.
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 R430 Million.
Matthew Sledge, a 51-year-old resident of Kensington, Johannesburg, completed an extraordinary challenge at the upcoming Mandela Day Houghton 10km run on July 16th. This year’s event held immense significance as it marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of the revered leader, Nelson Mandela. Driven by his unwavering enthusiasm to support the remarkable work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sledge aimed to make waves with his unique fundraising efforts.
While some may have perceived a 10km run as routine, Sledge decided to take his participation to an entirely new level. In a bold and daring move, he committed to completing the run dressed in nothing but a speedo.
What’s more, he undertook this endeavor on what was expected to be the coldest day of the year, ensuring that his presence will be an unforgettable spectacle, capturing the attention of onlookers and inspiring them to contribute to the cause.
Pictured above: Matthew Sledge
When asked about the inspiration behind this extraordinary campaign, Sledge expressed his deep admiration for the significance of Mandela Day and the opportunity it presents to raise funds. He revealed that the idea to don a speedo came from his partner, Belinda, who challenged him to make his participation even more memorable.
In a generous gesture, Hollard, the provider of the speedo, pledged R10,000 to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation in recognition of Sledge’s courageous participation.
To lend purpose to his frosty adventure and support the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sledge launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. He called on individuals to sponsor his run and make donations to the Foundation.
“My passion for Mandela Day stems from honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy and my desire to make a difference in someone else’s life,” said Matthew.
Pictured above: Matthew Sledge
Highlighting his choice to support the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sledge emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to education as a fundamental pillar.
Quoting Mandela, he stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Sledge hoped that the funds raised will contribute to the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to educate and empower others.
Since the launch of his campaign, Matthew has raised over R32 000 towards his fundraising target of R50 000.
Supporters can still contribute to Sledge’s campaign by visiting the BackaBuddy website or by using Snapscan for donations. Additionally, Sledge extended an invitation to fellow runners to join him in supporting the Nelson Mandela Foundation by registering for the Mandela Day Houghton Run through the official website.
As the Mandela Day Houghton 10km run drew near, all eyes were on Matthew Sledge as he fearlessly took on the challenge in his speedo, fueled by his determination to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
An update message from Matthew:
Happy Mandela Day and a heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderfully generous people – you know who you are – who supported my fundraiser and helped me raise R32,000 for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
You’ll be happy to hear I completed my 10km run as promised, wearing nothing but my Hollard Daredevil Run purple speedo, in a respectable 50 minutes, spurred on by the fantastic race day atmosphere.
It was a very special event and in spite of the chilly winter air there was a real buzz on the start line and all the way along the route.
Thank you to the Mandela Foundation for a fun day, to Vida e Cafe who sponsored my coffee at the finish line and a big shout out to Hollard who generously donated R10,000 to CANSA and The Prostate Cancer Foundation in my name.
For more information or to support Matthew Sledge’s campaign, please visit:
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 R420 Million.
Larry Nyoni, a dedicated father hailing from Yeoville, Johannesburg, and working as a barrister for the Just Darling coffee van, has emerged as a true hero after demonstrating exceptional courage in the face of a life-threatening situation at Marist Brothers Linmeyer.
It was a fateful day on Friday, the 23rd June, the last day before the midterm break, when Larry found himself at the center of a heart-stopping incident in the school parking lot. A driver suddenly suffered a seizure while driving, causing their car to collide with another vehicle.
The situation quickly escalated, and the driver was in dire need of immediate medical attention. In a state of panic, Larry swiftly contacted the school’s medical officer, who urged him to seek help as the drivers’ condition deteriorated rapidly, turning blue before his eyes. Faced with a race against time, Larry took matters into his own hands.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Larry sprang into action, fully comprehending the gravity of the situation. In a split second that would forever change lives, he made a bold decision. Displaying unwavering courage, Larry punched and shattered the car window when no other tools at his disposal granted him access to the distressed driver. This selfless act enabled the school’s medical officer to provide the crucial and urgent medical attention required to save a life. Larry’s bravery not only averted a potential tragedy but also showcased his unwavering commitment to helping others during times of crisis.
However, Larry’s act of heroism did not come without personal cost. While he bravely saved a life, he sustained severe injuries to his arm, necessitating multiple stitches. Thankfully, the school ensured that he received medical attention for his wounds.
Despite the pain and sacrifices he endured, Larry remains resolute in his belief that no obstacle should hinder his determination to assist those in need. His unwavering conviction to extend a helping hand is truly admirable.
Larry Nyoni, Barista Turned Hero.
Larry’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary compassion that permeates our community. It epitomizes the true spirit of heroism, inspiring us all to embrace kindness, empathy, and the willingness to lend support. Today, we invite you to join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Larry for his incredible bravery and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Recognizing Larry’s selfless act, Renay Tandy, a fellow parent from the school and co-founder of Ngage, was profoundly moved when news of Larry’s actions began to spread throughout the school. Without hesitation, she sprang into action herself, launching a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to reward Larry’s heroics.
The campaign, which serves as a token of appreciation and means to provide Larry with much-needed support, has since raised over R7000, towards the fundraising target of R15,000. Funds will also be used to provide clothes and other essentials for his two boys, Ethan (6) and Jayden (6 months), who undoubtedly take immense pride in their extraordinary father.
Let us come together as a community to show our appreciation and gratitude to Larry for his exceptional kindness and heroic deed.
Through our support, we can make a difference in the life of a true hero who reminds us all of the incredible power of compassion and selflessness.
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 R420 Million.
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Pictured above: Jason Brits
Pictured above: Jason with wife, Emlee
Pictured above: Jason Brits and his mentor
Pictured above: Robin Lewis and his wife, Jolandie, in hospital following his stem cell transplant in 2018. Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia, a genetic DNA repair disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukaemia and or solid tumors in the body.
Picture above: On the right is their one-of-a-kind motorhome, dubbed “Betsy”, that will provide transport and accommodation for the pair on their 3 650-day journey.
