Dirk Brouwer (61), a resident of Strathavon, Johannesburg, has embarked on a deeply moving crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for his first grandson, Levi, who was born on January 23, 2023, with a rare Congenital Heart Defect known as singular ventricle complex.
Pictured above: Levi Brouwer
Levi’s unique heart condition, affecting only 0.005% of newborns, means he has only one chamber instead of the usual four. This poses a significant challenge as oxygenated and deoxygenated blood mix within his delicate heart, placing strain on his lungs and depriving his system of vital oxygen.
While his condition cannot be cured, it can be managed through a series of intricate open-heart surgeries over the course of several years.
When Levi’s parents, Duan (28) and Cayley Brouwer (27), received heart-wrenching news about their son’s condition, they faced three difficult choices. The first option, terminating the pregnancy, was unbearably painful and would have meant depriving Levi of experiencing the beauty of life.
The second option involved subjecting Levi to a series of risky open-heart surgeries, the first of which had to be performed within his first fragile weeks. The third option, equally heartbreaking, was to forgo the surgeries and provide Levi with hospice care upon his arrival into the world.
Pictured above: First Mother’s day: Duan and Cayley with their son, Levi Brouwer.
Filled with boundless love and an unwavering spirit, Duan and Cayley chose the second option, cherishing every moment they can spend with their resilient Levi. However, this decision has placed them under immense financial strain. Duan had to leave his career in the live events industry to be Cayley’s pillar of strength, ensuring he remains by Levi’s side to face any unforeseen medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, Cayley had to put aside her professional aspirations to devote herself entirely to Levi’s intricate care.
The family is now burdened with a daunting financial responsibility that exceeds R3 million (ZAR) for the necessary medical treatments, with costs surpassing R1.3 million even after the initial surgery. Seeking comprehensive medical coverage, the family joined a medical aid membership that requires a monthly sum of approximately R10,500 (+- $600).
Unfortunately, their previous plan did not cover the specialized care Levi requires, adding to the already overwhelming financial strain.
With a heavy heart but filled with hope, Levi’s grandfather, Dirk, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy with the ambitious goal of raising R240,000 ($13,000).
These funds are crucial to cover Levi’s treatment over the next 12 months as he undergoes multiple surgeries and medical interventions.
Pictured above: 3 generations, Dirk with his Duan and grandson, Levi.
The campaign aims to alleviate the tremendous financial burden weighing on Duan and Cayley, empowering them to navigate Levi’s complex medical journey while bridging the income gap caused by Duan’s career transition. Since its launch, the campaign has already raised almost R20,000 with the support of 17 donors on BackaBuddy.
Levi’s unwavering resilience is evident through the successful completion of his first open-heart surgery at just two weeks old. This achievement has filled the family with hope as they prepare for his upcoming surgery, the “Glenn shunt” procedure, scheduled for June 28, 2023, when Levi will be 5 months and 5 days old.
During this procedure, his pediatric surgeon will redirect the blood flow returning from the top half of his body directly to his lungs, which will reduce the amount of deoxygenated blood in his heart.
The final operation, anticipated when Levi is around 3-4 years old, will redirect the blood flow from the bottom half of his body to his lungs, concluding his open-heart surgeries and resolving the blood mixing issue.
Cayley expresses her love and gratitude for Levi, saying, “Levi is an incredible little boy. He takes every challenge in his stride, with a smile on his face. He has taught me and his father what it truly means to be strong and how to go through life with grace and joy in your heart. He is a blessing to all who know him, especially to me and his father. The love I have for this little boy is immeasurable, and I cannot wait to see all the adventures he gets to have throughout his life. Levi is our little miracle.”
Pictured above: Cayley with son, Levi.
Duan adds, “Levi has inspired me to be a better father, son, and husband. Seeing the way my little boy looks at this new world has made me appreciate all of life’s beauty anew each day. Levi wakes up every day ready to learn something new and gets excited every time he hears his mother’s voice. To see my son grow and fall deeper in love with his mom every day makes my daily challenges a joy instead of a chore. The love I have for my son and my wife is indescribable, and I thank God for every precious second.”
Dirk Brouwer, Levi’s compassionate grandfather, understands the heart-wrenching challenges faced by families with premature children. Empathizing with the emotional turmoil of balancing work obligations and being there for loved ones during their most vulnerable moments, Dirk has taken on the responsibility of managing the funds for Levi’s medical care.
By initiating the crowdfunding campaign, Dirk aims to celebrate Levi’s indomitable spirit and demonstrate his unwavering belief in the power of love and community support.
Pictured above: Levi Brouwer
Dirk extends a heartfelt invitation to compassionate souls from all walks of life to embrace the opportunity to make a difference. In this collective outpouring of kindness, no act is too small, and each contribution, regardless of size, will forever leave a mark of love and hope upon Levi’s indomitable heart.
“We are immensely grateful to have had Levi with us for five months already. He is a God-given miracle who fills our hearts with immeasurable joy, happiness, and gratitude. This young, faithful family holds an incredibly special place in our hearts,” expresses Dirk, speaking on behalf of the family.
To support the extraordinary medical journey of baby Levi, please visit Dirk Brouwer’s crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy and join the compassionate community rallying behind this resilient family.
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.
Graham Wells, a 46-year-old resident of Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, is taking on his 7th Comrades Marathon barefoot on June 11, 2023. He’s running to raise funds for the “Run for a Roof” campaign, a cause that he has been a part of since its inception in 2021.
Pictured above: Graham Wells
This initiative, started by One Life Foundation, has raised over R40,000 to help raise awareness of homelessness in the city. Graham’s fundraising goal is R200,000, which he hopes will help the newly-formed PMB Homeless Network to provide a safe, clean, and warm environment for homeless people in the city. While this won’t be the first homeless shelter in Pietermaritzburg, it will be the first of its kind, as individuals will have access to a range of services.
For Graham, who has worked in social housing in the UK, homelessness is a cause close to his heart. He understands that homelessness is a pandemic that affects people all over the world and that it’s a crisis that needs to be addressed.
His decision to run barefoot for the Comrades Marathon is an expression of his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness.
Pictured above: Graham Wells
“I’m a firm believer that running medals don’t mean anything unless you have made a difference for someone else,” says Graham.
Graham’s journey will begin at 5:30 am in Pietermaritzburg and end at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. He’ll be running to raise funds for the PMB Homeless Network on crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to help provide shelter for the homeless. The PMB Homeless Network is a coalition of like-minded organizations that includes Msunduzi Municipality, Business Fighting Crime, local churches, charities, social service providers, activists, and volunteers from Pietermaritzburg.
Together, they are committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of people experiencing homelessness in the city.
Graham’s fundraising efforts will go towards restoring and repairing a large building that the local municipality has secured for the PMB Homeless Network. The organization aims to provide legal and social aid, educational support, job training, health services, and basic human needs to the homeless in the city. Through this initiative, they hope to create replicable models that can be expanded beyond Pietermaritzburg.
Pictured above: Graham and his hospital prayer group met Mrs Mofokeng who is fighting cancer, in her home in Underberg.
As Graham trains for his barefoot Comrades Marathon, he is reminded of the homeless people he sees every day. He understands their plight and the difficult situation they find themselves in. Graham hopes to raise awareness of this crisis and bring much-needed attention to the PMB Homeless Network’s mission. With the help of the community, they can create a safe and welcoming shelter for homeless people in Pietermaritzburg.
“I have a dream to see a safe, friendly, people-centred shelter, in Pietermaritzburg, where people of any race or background can be welcomed and empowered to make something better of themselves. By coming together to fund this project we have an opportunity to change the face of homelessness in our City and restore dignity to those society has left behind. Everyone deserves kindness and a second chance,” says Graham.
Join Graham and the PMB Homeless Network in their mission to restore dignity and provide a second chance for homeless people. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. Let’s come together to make a positive change in the lives of those who need it most.
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 R320 Million.
Melkbosstrand – Marcelle Viljoen (60), a longstanding resident of the Ouskip Caravan Resort community for the past 15 years, has taken a proactive step to support families devastated by a recent fire. Viljoen has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing for assistance in rebuilding the lives of those affected.
On May 15, 2023, tragedy struck when a raging fire engulfed the homes of nine permanent residents at Ouskip Caravan Resort in Melkbosstrand. The families lost everything they owned, leaving them in a state of shock and despair.
The primary objective of the campaign is to secure funds for the acquisition of vital raw materials and items, including, but not limited to, second-hand caravans, tents, awnings, electrical equipment, and household items such as beds, fridges, stoves, and gas appliances, which will help the families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability amidst the devastation.
VIDEO: Catherine Du Plooy from BackaBuddy speaks to Marcelle and residents affected by the fires
Since the launch of the campaign over R7000 has been raised to support the families towards their target of R100 000.
VIDEO: Catherine Du Plooy from BackaBuddy speaks to Jake, from one of the families who lost their home
The Melkbos Rotary Club has kindly taken over the management and distribution of the Backabuddy campaign funding.
The Melkbos Rotary Club is in direct contact with the Ouskip fire victims and will ensure that donors witness firsthand, how their contributions are utilized, and the direct impact they have on the lives of the affected families.
Transparency and accountability are key priorities and comprehensive records will be maintained and made available to all contributors on request.
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 R400 Million.
Cindy Duplessis (42), a resident of Krugersdorp, along with a group of friends, has launched a heartwarming crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to help Roelien Homan, a beloved member of the community, purchase new hearing aids.
Roelien, a well-known property professional with a deep passion for animals, lost her hearing after battling COVID-19 in 2021.
Roelien (54), is widely respected and loved for her unwavering dedication to her work and her selfless nature. Her kind heart and unyielding compassion for others, coupled with her vivacious personality, have endeared her to everyone she meets.
Cindy, who has known Roelien for approximately seven years, emphasised the profound impact Roelien has had on the lives of those around her, describing her as Godly, fearless, loving, kind, selfless, compassionate, funny, ambitious, adventurous, and courageous.
Courageous Roelien needs new hearing aids.
The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise R82,760, the necessary funds to help Roelien acquire new hearing aids, a crucial requirement for her daily life.
The hearing aids, specifically formulated for her varying levels of hearing loss in both ears, are Artificial Intelligent bilateral hearing aids from Oticon. These advanced devices assist Roelien’s brain in formulating sounds into words and provide her with the ability to engage in various activities, such as listening to voice notes, speaking on the phone, and attending seminars with large crowds, as they cancel out background noises.
Currently, the BackaBuddycampaign has raised over R45 100, thanks to the generosity of supporters who have rallied behind Roelien’s cause. However, there is still a significant amount to be raised.
The absence of functional hearing aids has severely impacted Roelien’s livelihood and ability to carry out her professional responsibilities. The once vibrant and lively individual now finds herself in a state of fear, loneliness, and uncertainty.
“The new hearing aids will give Roelien her life back where she will be part of conversations, live a life without fear, anxiety, and loneliness. At the moment, Roelien is very depressed, lonely, scared, and paranoid due to not hearing what goes on around her,” Cindy shared.
“This has been a very emotional journey for her and everyone in her life, including her friends, as we don’t always understand and we don’t know what it feels like to be deaf. We are desperately seeking assistance to give my friend her smile and happiness back.”
In a heartfelt plea to the community, Cindy and her friends implore the public to step forward and become Roelien’s heroes by generously contributing to her cause, which holds the power to restore her to a life filled with hope and joy.
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 R400 Million.
Manila, Philippines – Zelda Carlamarie Eberson (40), a single mother from South Africa, and her 17-year-old son, Jordan, find themselves in a dire situation and make a desperate plea for help to return home.
After facing a series of challenges and hardships during their stay in the Philippines, Zelda, who battles with mental illness including depression and severe anxiety, embarked on this journey three years ago with the hope of earning money online as a freelancer and providing a better life for herself and her son.
Unfortunately, their plans took a devastating turn when Zelda’s online ventures failed to generate the expected income. As a result, the family found themselves struggling to make ends meet, facing constant health issues, malnutrition, and even hospitalization due to Dengue Fever.
Adding to their troubles, they have exceeded the three-year legal limit for staying in the Philippines, making them overstayers and placing them at risk of arrest, separation, and indefinite detention in a detainee facility under alarming conditions, pending deportation.
Zelda and her son, Jordan want nothing more than to return home to South Africa
Despite Zelda’s numerous attempts to seek assistance from government offices over the past year, her pleas have gone unanswered, leaving her and her son in a state of desperation.
Their primary concern now is to return to their familiar home country, where Zelda can receive the necessary support for her mental health and Jordan can find safety and stability.
“We are living in constant fear and panic,” Zelda shares. “I can hardly afford rent and food here, let alone pay the fines and fees required for us to leave the Philippines voluntarily. We are begging for help to avoid the horrifying fate of being trapped in dangerous prisons for years, like other foreigners who have faced similar circumstances.”
To get back home to her mom, who lives in Nelspruit, Zelda has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy that has raised over R1500 so far.
Zelda has outlined a plan for utilizing any assistance received to ensure their safe return to South Africa.
The funds will be allocated as follows:
Legal Expenses: Cover fines, legal fees, and associated costs related to their current legal situation in the Philippines.
Visa Fees: Pay for the necessary visa fees required for their travel back to South Africa.
Airline Tickets: Purchase two one-way plane tickets from Manila to Johannesburg, enabling them to return home safely.
Transportation Assistance: Cover transportation costs for visits to the embassy and immigration offices in Manila, facilitating the necessary paperwork for their departure.
Accommodation: Seek affordable rental options for a room in Manila during their stay, ensuring a temporary place to reside until their departure.
Food and Essentials: Allocate funds for basic necessities, such as low-cost food items like noodles, bread, and other essential supplies, to sustain them during their stay in Manila.
Airport Transportation: Arrange transportation from the airport upon their arrival in South Africa.
Dental Treatment: Schedule a visit to a dentist in South Africa to address Jordan’s urgent dental needs, including an extraction procedure.
The plea from Zelda and Jordan is a cry for help, emphasizing their desire to avoid a bleak future in detainment and seek solace and stability back in their homeland. Their hope lies in the kindness and generosity of individuals who can lend a helping hand during their time of desperation.
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 R290 Million.
