Digital Content Creator and Trans Rights Activist, Zoey Black (33) from Kuils River, Cape Town, has openly shared her life and journey as a trans woman for the world to see in recent years.
Now, after much consideration, the tenacious Capetonian is ready for the next big step in her life, undergoing a breast augmentation, or ‘Top surgery’ as it’s commonly known, to affirm herself.
‘I always knew’
“It was incredibly hard being raised and socialised as a boy. Since childhood, I knew I was a woman. But I didn’t have the language to articulate or explain why I felt so displaced and why I struggled with my identity and relationships. Only coming into my gender identity in my late 20’s was rough, but it was by far the best decision I made for myself… to live as myself, openly.” – says Zoey
Tenacious Zoey is on a journey to find herself
To realise her life-long dream of becoming her authentic self, Zoey has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to appeal to family, friends, LGBTQI allies, as well as the wider public for much-needed support.
“I’m the kind of person to take my time when I make big decisions. I’d been thinking of having top surgery done for about 5 years now. But before I decided to undergo such massive change, I wanted to make sure that it was the right decision for me. And it was. So here we are… Me, asking you to help make that decision a reality.” – says Zoey.
Since the launch of Zoey’s campaign on 4 August 2021, over R5000 has been raised towards her fundraising target of R60 000, which will cover the cost of the surgery, time in theatre, as well as the routine post-surgery check-ups she will need.
To show her appreciation to those who have supported her op and stood by her through the years, Zoey hopes to document her experience in detail, to pave the way for her ‘trans siblings’ who are contemplating affirming themselves through surgery.
Zoey Black hopes her story with inspire others
She also hopes that through educating others on what it means to be trans, more people will have compassion for the vibrant community. ‘There is always something we can learn from each other’ says Zoey.
Gender DynamiX Supports Trans and Gender Diverse Communities
Gender DynamiX (GDX), established in 2005, is the first registered Africa-based public benefit organisation to focus solely on trans and gender diverse communities. What started as a mere vision, slowly grew into a grassroots organisation. GDX has since become an institutionalised non-profit organisation (NPO) that is fundamental to the development of the trans and gender diverse movement(s) in South Africa and across southern Africa.
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 R260 Million.
Pictured above: SAWFB volunteers, Lizet Coelho and Charlie Bezuidenhout-Hollingsworth
In response to the tragic murder of 29-year-old, Meghan Cremer, the vibrant show-jumper and bakery manager from Cape Town, who was assaulted and murdered in Cape Town in August 2019, Bronwyn Litkie launched Facebook groupSA Women Fight Back.
The group, which was founded on 8 August 2019, the day before Women’s Day, began as a safe place for women to share their stories of abuse, seek help and confide in each other, soon grew to nearly a quarter of a million members, putting gender-based violence in the spotlight.
With the help of remarkable volunteers, the group formalised and established an NPC, to give a voice to the slain, forgotten and silenced women in our society.
“Through the stories that we read we came to realise just how many womxn have remained silent and suffered for sometimes decades at the hands of their abuser. Most women had never shared their stories. Gender-Based Violence has been silenced for too long, and we need to lift this veil and let womxn know that they are not alone and that there is always help for them” says group founder, Bronwyn.
Founder of SAWFB, Bronwyn Litkie.
Over 40 000 GBV cases are reported each year in SA
Turning words into action, SA Women Fight Back, collaborates with sister organisations to offer gender-based violence survivors counselling and healing courses after they have experienced trauma, among other helpful initiatives.
This women’s month, the organisation hopes to expand their care pack drive, through a crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy, to help restore dignity to the brave women who come forward to report a sexual assault.
These packs, which cost approximately R100 to put together, including transportation costs, contain underwear, sanitary pads, a pamphlet on where to find help, and other much-needed items to help survivors on their road to rehabilitation.
Putting up a fight. Lizet Coelho and Charlie Bezuidenhout-Hollingsworth from SAWFB with rape activist, Leilani Kuter (Yellow For Survivors).
“We currently have relationships with 16 police stations across SA but would like this program to reach all stations with high Gender-Based violence statistics. There are over 40 000 gender-based violence cases reported each year and we would like to be able to supply care packs to every victim.” – says Bronwyn.
With generous support from the public, the organisation has thus far been able to accumulate 250 care packs, which will serve as a life-line to those who need them.
To donate a care package, visit SAWFB’s crowdfunding campaign:
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.
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to gender-based violence. We encourage you to contact SAWFB to get help.
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 raised over R260 Million.
Lara Van Lelyveld (37) originally from Howick, Pietermaritzburg, had just landed her dream job as Head of English at Curro, Century City, when the breathing problems she had been experiencing became very serious.
What started as shortness of breath, turned out to be something far worse.
In November 2020, Lara was diagnosed with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis, a rare, life-threatening illness that causes the narrowing of a patient’s trachea, as well as inflammation and the development of tissue in the throat area.
Lara, who friends and loved ones describe as ‘bubbly and colourful’, had now gone from living an adventurous life, to losing a big part of herself; her voice and her cheerful laugh.
Since her diagnosis, Lara has been in and out of hospital countless times, to stop her throat from closing. As the cause of her condition is unknown, doctors are doing all they can to give Lara her life back.
Lara’s medical journey
In November 2021, Lara received an endoscopic dilation of the tracheal stenosis, which showed promise, but unfortunately the results were short lived and the scar tissue grew back even more aggressively months later.
In April 2021, Lara was surgically fitted with a stent, which unfortunately failed as the scar tissue began to engulf it.
Lara communicates using pen and paper due to no air around her vocal cords making it hard for her to talk.
In May 2021, Lara had a tracheostomy inserted to help her breathing, as doctors continue to investigate the best course of treatment for Lara.
Currently, under the expert care of Professor Lubbe, Lara’s trachea continues to close. At it’s most narrow, her trachea was a scant 1mm wide, while a healthy trachea should be between 1,5 cm to 2 cm wide. At this stage, it takes about 4 weeks for the trachea to narrow to a diameter of 3mm.
With every procedure Lara has had, the scar tissue grows back quicker and quicker, causing Lara severe discomfort and stress.
‘My dreams are indefinitely on hold’
After a 4-hour-long operation, Lara was fitted with a T-shaped trach tube on 2 August 2021, which unfortunately didn’t work as she was unable to breathe. She has now been given several steroid injections in her throat tissue to see if this will stop her tissue from growing. She will then receive an iron infusion as she has become anaemic.
Apart from the physical pain of her procedures, and the emotional toll it has had on her, Lara has also given up a lot of life’s simple pleasures.
While she has her tracheostomy, she will not be able to swim again in fear of drowning. The chances of her returning to the classroom, the job she loves, are also very slim.
“Truth be told, I’m terrified. I can’t plan my future and so many of my dreams are indefinitely on hold. This disease has brought me to my knees. Each day is a struggle.” – says Lara
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
In addition to the above, Lara is also facing a tremendous financial burden, as her medical aid only covers her hospital stays, but not her specialised procedures or medications.
Lara with a trach tube that has to be replaced after every 6 months costing R9900.
To assist Lara with her medical bills, her loved ones have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, that has thus far raised over R 31 000 towards their fundraising target of R50 000, to support lovely Lara on her road to recovery.
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 R260 Million.
Kim Jones (43) from Table View, Cape Town is on a mission to help her 3-year-old, ‘beautiful and lively niece’, Holly Bright, find her voice.
Edgemead residents may recognise Holly sitting in her wheelchair, with her beautiful big eyes, and glowing red hair, but what many don’t know is that she was born with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder.
The condition, which affects the way the brain develops, causes a progressive loss of motor skills and speech, as well as regular seizures and breathing challenges. Holly’s case is quite severe.
Pictured above: Holly was born with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder.
“Despite having a lot to say, Holly is unable to get the words out. It breaks my heart when I see her face light up acknowledging my presence, but knowing that she can’t say hello, or worse is when you see the tears well up because she is frustrated or in pain, but can’t tell us where it hurts or how we can help.” says Kim.
Pictured above: Kim sits holding Holly and her sister, Lily, with Tammy and granny at the back.
Helping Holly
To help Holly communicate, she has in the past been able to stick pictures on a velcro-covered board and then point to what she wanted to say.
While this rudimentary device showed promising results, unfortunately, Holly’s body is weak and the connection between her brain and hands is compromised, so she is often unable to use her hands to have her say.
As a solution to this obstacle, Kim set out to raise funds on BackaBuddy to purchase an electronic PCEye device that uses Eye Gaze technology, estimated to cost over R26 000. With some training, Holly’s quality of life will increase dramatically and she will have a voice in this world.
Pictured above: A PCEye device will give Holly a voice in this world.
“Tammy and Nick, Holly’s parents, have devoted every spare cent they have to provide her with the best possible nutrition, therapies, and equipment to help her little body fight all it can, but this is a “luxury” not covered by any medical aid and is just beyond their savings.” – says Kim
Thankfully, with the help of 88 generous donors, Holly’s BackaBuddy campaign has raised over R36 000, enough to purchase the PCEye device. A laptop, as well as the brackets to brace the device on Holly’s wheelchair have also kindly been donated.
“As a family, we are completely blown away by the tremendous support our BackaBuddy campaign has received. We couldn’t be more thankful to each and every donor who has come forward to help change Holly’s life for the better”, says Kim.
If any additional funds are raised, they will be used to cover the cost of the speech therapy and training Holly will need to use the device effectively, as well as contribute towards Holly’s monthly medical expenses (in the region of R30 000 a month), that are not covered by the family’s medical aid.
“We all do our best to give Holly what she needs to blossom in life. No kind gesture is wasted”, says Kim.
A photo from a couple years ago: Tammy and Nick, with their daughters, Holly and Lily.
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 R260 Million.
On the 4th of June, the owner of Jowetts Cycles, Ingrid Flint (57) from Ashburton, Pietermaritzburg was involved in a horrific, near-fatal car accident when she crashed into an 18-wheeler truck head-on while traveling to Durban on the N3.
When the paramedics arrived on the scene, Ingrid was found unconscious and had to be sedated due to the severe head and back injuries she sustained. She was then taken to ICU at St. Annes Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
Learn more about Ingrid’s medical journey on her website here.
Ingrid’s car after her traumatic accident.
Ingrid has sadly passed away
Suffering brain damage and tremendous physical injuries, Ingrid Flint, sadly lost her life on 17 July 2021. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Flint family.
It’s with a broken heart that we as a family want to let you know that my mom has passed away. She fought for 43 days like a soldier. I am so grateful to everyone who has stood with us and supported us.
We were able to give her the best shot at recovery as possible. Please can I ask for everyone to give us a little space to deal with this as a family. -says Ingrid’s son, Gary Flint posted on her WhatsAppgroup.
Thank you to the kind donors
A kind thank you to the generous donors, both locally and abroad, who raised over R90 000 for Ingrid’s medical treatment and recovery on BackaBuddy.
The Flint family has asked that Ingrid’s campaign be closed for any further donations.
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 R260 Million.
Founder of SAWFB, Bronwyn Litkie.
Pictured above: Holly was born with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder.
Pictured above: Kim sits holding Holly and her sister, Lily, with Tammy and granny at the back.
Pictured above: A PCEye device will give Holly a voice in this world.
A photo from a couple years ago: Tammy and Nick, with their daughters, Holly and Lily.
Ingrid’s car after her traumatic accident.
The late Ingrid Flint outside her bicycle shop.