Bonita Orson (42) a stay-at-home mother from Stellenbosch, Western Cape, was diagnosed with Myeloma, an incurable but treatable blood cancer, in September 2021.
Knowing that Bonita has two small children between the ages of 2 and 9 years old, as well as a mentally disabled child who is 26, a clinical haematologist at Netcare Kuilsriver, introduced Bonita to a social worker named Kirstie Van Blerk (31), who became attached to the family.
“From the minute I walked into Bonita’s hospital room, I felt an aura of calm. There was no anxiety. There was little fear. She exuded a stillness, a sense of calm, of acceptance. From the minute I met Bonita, she had faith. She handed her fate over to her God and quietly awaited what he had planned for her.” -says Kirstie
After 3 failed attempts at getting her cancer into remission, including a stem cell transplant, Bonita has maintained her strength and dignified confidence, during her almost year-long battle.
Bonita Orson needs a miracle cancer drug to save her life.
“Her haematologists were very optimistic about her prognosis as she is young and can withstand intense treatments. Unfortunately, even with these intense treatments and putting her physical health through the wringer, there has been no success in getting her cancer into remission.” -says Kirstie
A dose of hope
Although Bonita’s cancer is not curable, and all other treatment options have been exhausted, her medical team believes a new drug can add years to her life.
“Without intervention at this point, Bonita will not survive the remainder of the year. There is a light, though, a new and novel drug called Darzalex. This drug has excellent success rates in controlling Myeloma.” – -says Kirstie
“Unfortunately, Bonita is on the lowest medical plan with LA health ( A division of Discovery Health), and this expensive drug is only available to members on the top-tier plan, which her husband can’t reasonably afford with his council salary.” – says Kirstie
After a string of sleepless nights, Kirstie knew she had to do something to help Bonita, and has since launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to raise enough funds to upgrade Bonita’s medical aid plan, and cover her fees for the next 6 months.
Bonita’s doctors say that they will be able to determine if the new drug is having the desired effect within a month, which will buy them time to find a more sustainable solution, should the treatment be successful.
Since the launch of the campaign, more than R11 000 has been contributed by 7 generous donors, towards Bonita’s fundraising target of R39 000.
“I wouldn’t usually ask for financial help with patients, but I am genuinely losing sleep at the thoughts of these three vulnerable children losing their mama. Bonita told me once that her strength comes from looking into the eyes of her children. They need her, so she has to stay strong for them. She is an incredible example, and I hope many will still have the opportunity to learn from her.” – says Kirstie
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 R344 Million.
Gina Hinchliffe (55) an animal lover from Glenwood, Durban will be embarking on her 27th Comrades Marathon on 28 August 2022, dedicating her mammoth milestone to an incredible cause.
Passionate about Brighter Future Sanctuary Project, a non-profit organization that advocates for animals, Gina, a dog mom of two, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to raise R15 000 to sterilise at least 18 animals in rural areas.
“My passion and love for animals is what inspired me to take on this journey. If I am going to run, which I can, then why not run with a purpose. Sterilisation is important as it prevents unnecessary breeding and reduces the number of cats and dogs that land up unwanted and as strays.” – says Gina
Gina Hinchliffe is ready to take on her 27th Comrades for a worthy cause.
Since the launch of her campaign, Gina has raised over R11 000 with kind contributions from 16 donors.
“I would like to encourage the public to adopt, not shop. There are so many ways you can show your love for animals, take a fur baby home with you, support my cause and help me make a difference!” -says Gina
Since taking on her first Comrades in 1989, Gina has won 14 Bronze, 9 Vic Clapham, 3 Bill Rowans medals.
“What I love about the Comrades is the anticipation, the training and preparation, pounding the pavements with my daughter, husband and friends. With our busy lives, I treasure these moments.” – says Gina
“The day of the marathon is even more exhilarating. The spectators and supporters mean so much to us runners. I can’t wait to take on this leg of the Comrades and knowing I’m doing it for ‘man’s best friend’ is very fitting” – says Gina
Create a crowdfunding 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 R344 Million.
To assist you in raising funds, our team has put together guidelines to make your crowdfunding journey a little easier.
A short, beautifully written, emotive and informative campaign message connects with donors.
Crowdfunding campaigns with a short video message tend to raise 4 times more funds.
Reaching out to family and friends first can help you raise 220% more funds.
Your crowdfunding campaign will be 5 times more likely to succeed if you share it on social media.To learn how to share your campaign effectively on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram read more below.
Joanita Smit (46), a counsellor from Boksburg, Gauteng, is on a mission to dismantle the stigma around sexual abuse, advocating for mental health, with her counselling practice under the Sm;tten Love Foundation.
Joanita’s story
At the age of 16, while attending a friend’s birthday party in Fleurdal, Bloemfontein Joanita was gang raped by a group of 4 teenage boys from a neighbouring school, when she went to change out of her swimsuit once the get-together had ended.
“For many years I could only remember snippets of that evening. I remember the door opening as soon as I took my bikini top off. I remember feeling embarrassed, thinking that the boys entered the room by mistake.”
“The realisation of what was about to happen became apparent when one of the boys put his hand over my mouth and told me to ‘keep quiet’. I can still smell the scent of his ‘Brut’ deodorant even today.”
“The ordeal lasted minutes but felt like hours. I tried to remove myself mentally from the situation, as I was physically overpowered. The boys took turns violating me without my consent, and left as if nothing had happened when the ‘fun’ was over”
Gathering her emotions and her composure, Joanita got dressed, washed her face, and pretended that nothing happened. She helped her friend clean up the bottles and balloons from the party, and then finally left to go home.
Afraid to ask for help, out of fear she wouldn’t be believed, and the judgement she would face, Joanita didn’t tell her parents or anyone about her sexual assault.
Unable and unwilling to tend to her psychological wounds, Joanita buried her trauma and suffered devastating consequences when her pain resurfaced later in life.
Struggling with mental health
The remnants of that fateful evening Joanita says, affected her self-image, and her trust in people and weighed heavily on her mental health.
“Since the age of 18, my journey with mental health started. I struggled with depression but in those years, it was a topic that was not spoken about. At the age of 24, I tried to take my own life by overdosing on depression medication. Luckily, I was found in time and lived to share my story with the world.”
“It took me a long time to realise that the things you do, say or feel are a result of extreme trauma. It took years for me to forgive myself as if I deserved what happened to me because of what I was wearing.”
Working with a psychiatrist at the age of 32, was a positive turning point for Joanita, who is successfully being treated for Bi-Polar Disorder 2, Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia, PTSD, OCD and High EQ today.
“Through therapy and medication, I got my life back and discovered how uneducated people are about mental health. I made a promise to myself to be an advocate for all the people suffering and all the victims by breaking this stigma.”
A new course
When Joanita closed the doors of her primary school after 15 years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, she decided to take a short counselling course to offer pro-bono mental health assistance to sexual abuse survivors online.
“I believe that the trauma I experienced planted the seed for my passion to help others, it’s the source of the compassion and empathy I have for the struggles of others. It’s the reason I advocate for those who have been abused and why after so many years I can tell my story.”
Realising the need for therapists in South Africa, Joanita has decided to broaden her studies and become an advanced therapist, to provide therapy for:
Gender-based violence
Mental Health Disorders
Phobias
Eating Disorders
Substance abuse
Bereavement
Youth issues
Needing to cover the R16 000 shortfall needed to begin her studies, Joanita has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support, so she may use her talents to help others.
Joanita would like to urge readers who have been sexually assaulted to seek help, and to break their silence, so others will know that they are not alone and that their perpetrators will not have the opportunity to hurt others.
SA Women Fight Back is a community of united women who network to bring about legislative change and support for all women and children in South Africa.
Through non-violent, collaborative engagement, the organisation lobbies to combat gender-based violence and hold government and other authorities accountable for the safety, empowerment, equality, and justice for all.
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 R344 Million.
For over 30 years, non-governmental organisation, The Gift of the Givers has served humanity unconditionally; assisting all of creation, irrespective of race, religion, colour class, political affiliation or geographic location.
“Our mission is simple: we react immediately to restore dignity to the most vulnerable affected by disasters.” – says Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers.
Partnering with crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, on the anniversary of their 30th celebration of serving humanity, The Gift of the Givers, is calling upon mankind to make a difference, restore dignity and provide hope to those who need it most.
“It fills the BackaBuddy team with immense pride to be associated with The Gift of The Givers – a homegrown, world-class organisation that will remain a beacon of hope for generations to come” – says Catherine Du Plooy, Chief Operations Officer at BackaBuddy.
If you would like to support The Gift of the Givers, and the incredible work they do to uplift South Africans, and citizens from across the globe, consider making a donation in their honour.
“Best Among People Are Those Who Benefit Mankind.” – says Dr. Sooliman
Support the Gift of The Givers by making a donation on BackaBuddy:
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 R344 Million.
