“In February 2024 I completed a seven-year quest of climbing the tallest peak on every continent. Climbing for me extends far beyond any record or achievement, it’s a continued journey back to my most authentic self.” (Remy Kloos)
A lot has been said and written about Remy Kloos – and for a good reason: she’s an exceptional human being whose vocabulary does not include the word “impossible”. In February Remy completed a seven-year quest of climbing the tallest peak on every continent and she’s off, yet again. This time, the Capetonian is joining the Avela Foundation for their second trek in six years to Everest Base Camp (EBC) to raise funds for and awareness of children with serious burn injuries.
Cami Palomo, Avela Foundation founder, says having Remy not only join but lead their second EBC expedition will add tremendous value. “Remy is one of the Best of the Best and apart from her super mountaineering skills we will also benefit from her incredible spirit and attitude towards life.”
For Cami, Avela has become her life’s work. The foundation, founded in Cape Town in 2016, has over the years raised substantial funds for medical equipment and treatment. Her Umatter program is however very close to her heart.
“Through this we provide not only physical support to children with serious burn injuries but also try and heal the emotional trauma that these children and their families experience. It’s for this reason that we need to expand the program to include more hospitals and training – something that cannot be done without funds.”
According to stats more than 1.6 million South Africans sustain serious burn injuries annually. Of them, at least 350,000 are children.
Pictured above: Cami Palomo – Mount Everest Base Camp (2018)
Cami says undertaking mountaineering expeditions is quite the challenge as it just airlifts you out of your comfort zone.
“It’s for that reason that we believe it’s a great way of honouring the courage, determination and resilience of young burn survivors.”
On the 10th of May Cami and Remy will be joined by a group of five business people, including one American, who all have in the past strapped on their hiking boots to help raise funds for Avela on donations crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy.
Remy, having reached her seventh and final summit in February – Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, is excited to be part of the group: “The Avela Foundation is doing such incredible work, empowering and supporting children who survive serious burn injuries. Cami and her team help transform their lives by assisting them in dealing with their physical and emotional scars. I’m so touched by the work that the foundation does and am honoured to play a small role in helping.”
Remy herself is no stranger to the darker side of life. Battling serious depression and anxiety in 2016 and in desperate need of some perspective, she turned to the mountains for “help”. “I was standing on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa, fuelled with an electric surge of energy. In that moment I knew I had found meaning through a deep and soulful connection with the mountain and with every climb thereafter my confidence just grew and I knew I could make an impact!”
Six years later Remy become the first person from Africa to do the Everest-Lhoste combination-climb in 24 hours and achieving that also made her the first woman from the continent to summit the Lhotse peak in Asia. She does however not only leave her mark in history books – Remy is not surprisingly also in demand as a mountain guide and motivational speaker.
Cami shares Remy’s love and reverence for mountains and is tremendously excited to share in the world-class climber’s experiences during their upcoming trek.
“Having Remy as part of the Avela trek to EBC and hear her stories will enrich our journey and ignite an even deeper appreciation for the spiritual essence of the Himalayas and the transformative power of mountains.”
“Yes,” says Remy: “The mountains teach us about our own mortality. They show us how fragile we are and provide perspective in so far as that our daily frustrations are actually quite menial, all things considered.”
And Remy knows only too well what risks high-altitude mountaineering pose. “I have experienced minus-40 degrees Celsius carrying 50kg loads, have had frostbite numerous times, battled against 130km/h winds, not to mention cyclones where a single misstep could be fatal. I have been on many an exposed ridgeline and in extreme altitudes where no living organism is meant to survive for extended periods of time. Movements are extremely slow and it requires immense energy just to try to eat and drink. Every decision is extremely calculated, there is no room for error. One simple mistake like dropping a glove could have dire repercussions.”
Pictured above: Remy Kloos
Although the Avela team won’t be summiting Everest, Remy says she goes into every climb the same mental and physical preparation and attitude: “One must have a deep respect for the mountains and the surrounding lands and people for we are simply very lucky to be able to be there. This is their home and the invitation to explore, climb and trek is one that must be received and executed with kindness and humility.”
She echoes Cami’s hope that the trek will raise more awareness about the work that the Avela Foundation does and that this fundraising campaign will bring in much needed donations to support their work.
“As a team I know we can collectively make a difference and I want everyone on the trek to experience the magic of the grand Himalaya and be fuelled by her beauty and wisdom. I want them to be touched by the stories of the Nepalese people and to feel their warmth. With each step on such ancient lands I hope the group will experience something magical and return home with a newfound sense of gratitude and humility. So, we will not only be exploring together but hopefully raise much needed funds for a charity that is changing the lives of so many people.”
And Remy’s trademark sunflower will again be peaking out of her rucksack: “Where I go, the sunflower goes as for me it’s a gentle reminder of grace in our lives, representing our humanity and highlighting the importance of gratitude and positivity. “You know, at the end of the day, the summit is for the ego, but the journey, the journey – is for the soul.”
Support the Avela Foundation by making a donation on BackaBuddy:
In a remarkable initiative that bridged continents and hearts, the South African Healthcare Workers For Palestine hosted an extraordinary event on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Titled ‘Soles of our Souls,’ this school shoe memorial, the largest of its kind in South Africa, took place across three cities – Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
Image above: GOTG CT Medical Volunteer team supporting the Global Day of Solidarity 13 Jan 2024 (Dr Sooliman was a guest speaker)
The event was dedicated to honouring the memory of over 13,000 innocent children who tragically lost their lives in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In a symbolic yet deeply impactful gesture, each pair of shoes signified a step towards hope and the enduring power of education. This campaign transcended geographical boundaries, highlighting a universal commitment to childhood and the future.
In collaboration with the Gift of the Givers, the South African Healthcare Workers For Palestine launched a crowdfunding initiative on BackaBuddy. The goal was to raise R1.5Million to provide school shoes, valued at R150.00 each, to underprivileged children in South Africa. Since January 17, 2024, the campaign was warmly received, with R1 140 000 already raised by over 342 donors.
Image above: Visual impact of a shoe vigil held in Vancouver to highlight children not returning to school due to violence.
Explaining the campaign’s ethos, organizers stated, “For every child who became a martyr, we strive to weave a thread of kindness into the lives of the less fortunate in South Africa.” This event was more than a memorial; it was a collective journey towards a brighter future for children, the foundation of our shared humanity.
The public was invited to join this movement of compassion. Each contribution, no matter the size, sent a powerful message of solidarity and love, demonstrating that in the face of adversity, compassion prevailed.
Image above: Crowds gathered at the Mandela Glasses, Sea Point in support of Palestine
BackaBuddy, South Africa’s largest donations based crowdfunding platform offered non-profit organisations like Gift of the Givers a 0% platform fee, ensuring that a greater portion of the donations directly benefited the children in need. Additionally, donors were eligible for a Section18A Tax certificate from Gift of the Givers.
A message of gratitude from the Gift of the Givers:
We want to express our sincere gratitude for your kind donation to our Soles for Souls Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of 342 caring individuals like you, we’ve surpassed our goal, raising over R 1,700,000! This incredible achievement has allowed us to provide 13,000 pairs of school shoes, bringing much-needed comfort and hope to children in South Africa’s most underprivileged regions. Your support not only helps those in need but also pays tribute to the memories of over 13,000 young lives lost in Gaza.
Each shoe, a step towards healing, symbolizes a thread of kindness interwoven with the legacy of those cherished souls. Your support extends beyond borders and touches hearts, demonstrating profound solidarity in a world in need of compassion.
Your involvement is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in creating a legacy of love and a future filled with promise. Thank you for standing with us, hand in hand, as we honour life and foster unity through simple acts of giving.
Francois Boshoff, a 21-year-old employee at his family owned business Timber and Spec from Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, faced an unexpected challenge which tested his resilience and altered the course of his life in the blink of an eye. What started out as a peaceful holiday outing at Buffelspoort Dam in the North West for the Boshoff family turned into a nightmare on the morning of 1 April 2024 when an engine fire engulfed their boat due to a faulty fuel pipe which broke, leaking fuel into the hull of the boat and causing the fire to ignite when the boat was started, leaving Francois with severe second-degree burns.
Pictured above: 21-year-old Francois Boshoff driving their family boat before the the accident
“We are long-standing club members at the Buffelspoort Boat Club. We go to the club for almost every holiday when the weather is good, except in winter. The boat had its yearly COF (certificate of fitness) done the week before Easter. The incident happened on Easter Monday. The day before the incident, the “safety officer” had done his inspection of the boat where everything was compliant. We had refurbished the boat, working on it ourselves for over 2 years from 2020. It’s a beautiful 1980’s American Skier which we inherited from my grandpa before he passed so it’s a very sentimental boat. The boat was in full use from December 2022 and we had been using it the entire Easter holiday. This was such a freak accident that literally happened on the last morning of the holiday.” says Francois’ sister Charllene.
Francois, along with his parents David (58) and Colleen-Anne (52), was fortunate to escape, but the physical toll this incident had on Francois was profound. His left arm and left leg bore the brunt of the flames, along with the back of his right leg. The road to recovery seemed daunting, but with the help of the incredible medical team at Netcare Milpark Hospital, Francois began his journey toward healing.
Pictured above: The Boshoff family on their boat at Buffelspoort. From left Francois, David, Colleen-Anne, and Charllene
“My dad doesn’t show much emotion when it comes to this stuff. But he became very solemn, so we know he was concerned. My mom was in some shock and felt anxious. He went into the theatre literally within 2 hours of being at the hospital, so it happened very quickly.” Charllene tells us.
“I felt anxious because he doesn’t like doctors in general and I couldn’t be there to support him as I was already on the way back to the dam to pack up. I was in shock at everything that happened so quickly. But we knew he would be receiving the best possible treatment.” says mum Colleen-Anne.
However, the burden of medical expenses loomed large over their family. Without Francois having any medical aid, his family has to pay for his medical costs out of pocket. From intensive care to multiple surgical procedures, the expenses accumulated rapidly, stretching their resources thin.
Pictured above: Francois with mum Colleen-Anne in the ICU burn unit at Milpark Hospital on Easter Monday
To lighten the family’s financial strain and to help cover the costs of Francois’ medical expenses his sister Charllene (24) started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised more than R68 000 of their R240 000 goal with the help of 41 incredible donors.
“These funds would truly help us to not feel overwhelmed with the finances of the incident. But rather focus on the healing, both emotionally and physically. As mentioned in the BackaBuddy campaign text, Francois is not on medical aid, so we are paying for his treatment out of pocket and this has really become an expensive incident. But we could not be more grateful to the medical team that helped him. They really were extremely professional and took the best possible care of him. Francois would not be back on his feet and getting ready to head off on his American adventure if it weren’t for the outstanding medical team. The funds really would be such a relief for the family. We are all doing what we can and giving every penny we make to these expenses and the donations would really just allow us a breath of fresh air in that we are able to move forward from the incident and not be overwhelmed with the bills constantly hanging over us each month.” says Charllene.
The outpouring of support from their community has been nothing short of remarkable. Friends, family, and even strangers have rallied around them, offering words of encouragement and generous contributions to aid in Francois’ recovery. Their kindness has been a ray of light during this trying time, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Pictured above: The Boshoff family enjoying a day out on their boat
“Genuinely thank you. You have no idea how much this helps me and my family. Life has been tough for everyone lately, but its acts of kindness in moments of unprecedented times like this that really show there is good in the world. God really is good.” Francois tells us.
As Francois continues his recovery journey, each day brings new milestones and triumphs. His resilience and determination serve as a source of inspiration to them all, propelling him forward in his healing process. Despite the ongoing challenges, his spirits remain high, buoyed by the love and support that surround him.
“Things happen. We can’t live in fear or regret. We, as a family, and I’m sure many others out there, have had it rough lately. But you need to move forward and just do what you can.” says Francois.
Update: As of April 4th, Francois has made significant progress in his recovery journey. He has been moved out of intensive care and into a general ward, marking a positive step forward. Tomorrow, he will undergo another surgical procedure to assess his skin graft and further clean his burn wounds. Despite the ongoing challenges, Francois remains in good spirits and hopes to be discharged soon.
Pictured above: Francois’ first night at home after being in the hospital
“Francois was relieved to be out of the ICU. He is not a fan of hospitals, so he knew this was closer to him being able to go home. And then especially with his job in the USA lined up, he was worried he wouldn’t be healed in time. So, moving into the general ward was a step in the right direction.” explains Charllene.
Once again, they extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them on this journey. The kindness has made a world of difference, and they are forever grateful for the unwavering support.
Liam Coetzee a 18-year-old matric student at Fish Hoek High School in Cape Town, is embarking on a journey from the local rugby fields in South Africa to the international stages in Ireland where he will not only shine bright for his skills but also for his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.
Pictured above: 18-year-old aspiring rugby player Liam Coetzee
“Liam has a good sense of humour and is a great leader. He is very self motivated and determined and once he has set his mind to do something he doesn’t give up. He inspires his peers and is always pushing hard for the next goal.” says Liam’s proud mum Gail.
Born and raised in the heart of South Africa, Liam’s love for rugby ignited when he was just 6-years-old while watching rugby with his dad who is a big fan of the sport. From the moment he first held a rugby ball in primary school, he knew that this sport would be his calling. Over the years, his dedication and determination transformed him into a formidable player, earning him recognition both on and off the field.
At Fish Hoek High School, Liam’s leadership qualities were evident as he was elected head student and appointed captain of the u19 1st team rugby in 2024. His peers and coaches alike admired his unwavering work ethic, persistence, and self-motivation, traits that not only propelled his own performance but also inspired those around him.
Pictured above: Liam with his rugby squad
“Rugby is a true source of happiness where I can develop physically and mentally. It’s an escape from the stress of school and life in general all while being a part of a brotherhood that plays for something bigger than any one player. A career in rugby would be incredible, I’m planning on studying engineering next year but would love to keep playing and maybe go pro.” says Liam
In addition to his achievements in rugby, Liam excelled academically, earning full colours for school academics and the prestigious Springbok Scout award. His ability to balance sporting excellence with academic success speaks volumes about his character and determination to excel in all aspects of life.
Pictured above: Liam with his sister Josie
But Liam’s journey doesn’t stop at the school gates or within the local league. His talent and hard work have caught the attention of scouts beyond South Africa’s borders. Currently, he is attending trials for the Western Province (WP) u19 provincial side, aiming to represent his province at the highest level.
However, the pinnacle of Liam’s rugby journey lies in an opportunity that transcends borders and continents—the Rhino Rugby Touring side. Selected to be a part of this elite squad, Liam will be travelling to Ireland this September to compete alongside international teams, train with top youth players and coaches, and immerse himself in the rich history of rugby.
“This opportunity truly means the world to me, it’s the result of years of passion and belief. Not only from me but from my family, teammates and community. It’s an opportunity to see the sport I love from a whole new perspective.” Liam tells us.
Pictured above: Liam with the Fish Hoek u19 A first team
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not just about playing the game; it’s about experiencing the camaraderie of international competition, learning from the best in the world, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For Liam, it’s a dream come true, a chance to represent his country on foreign soil and showcase his talent on a global stage.
However, realising this dream comes with its challenges. The financial burden of such a trip is significant, especially on short notice. Which is why Liam and his family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already managed to raise over R27 000 of their R50 000 goal with the help of 17 amazing donors.
“I am incredibly grateful for each donation and honestly overwhelmed by the timely support I’ve received. A massive thanks to all for believing in me, your generosity is inspiring and I promise to make the most of it.” says Liam.
Ruan Weideman, a vibrant 16-year-old grade 11 student from Tzaneen, Limpopo, attending Ben Vorster High School with dreams as big as his heart, was hit hard with life changing news on February 1st, 2024. What started as a routine dentist visit revealed a nightmare lurking within his upper jaw—a rare and aggressive tumour, threatening not only his health but his very future. In the blink of an eye, Ruan’s life took an unexpected turn, plunging him into a whirlwind of shock and fear.
‘Ruan is a child who has an incredibly strong spirit and protective nature. He is admired for his determination and kindness and has a deep love for animals and others. His caring heart makes everyone feel special just to be near him. He is extremely calm and rational. Although he is an introvert, he does love spending lots of quality time with family and friends. He is a joy and comfort to all, respectful, and has impeccable manners!’ says Ruan’s mum, Nadine
Pictured above: 16-year-old Ruan Weideman
As one half of identical twins, Ruan has always been an extraordinary young man—bright, hardworking, and filled with an infectious zest for life. But now, his world has been turned upside down by the relentless growth of an Odontogenic Myxoma, a non-malignant tumour wreaking havoc in his upper jaw. This insidious growth is not only destroying tissue but also creeping dangerously close to vital structures, including his brain.
‘The tumour is growing aggressively faster than expected and has now burst through into Ruan’s mouth. It causes light bleeding which causes nausea. The tumour is shedding into his mouth, and he has small sores and blisters inside his mouth which causes pain and discomfort. The part of the tumour that is growing laterally inside his right nostril, gets irritated and he struggles with breathing and sinus-like symptoms. He also finds it difficult to eat. The right side of his face is slightly distended and he struggles to concentrate for long periods of time and gets headaches frequently.’ explains Nadine
Pictured above: Ruan with his mum Nadine and his twin Erard
With each passing day, the tumour’s relentless expansion brings forth new complications, raising the stakes for Ruan’s treatment and recovery. Specialists emphasise the urgency of specialised surgery to halt its progression and safeguard his future. However, this lifeline comes at an exorbitant cost, one that weighs heavily on a family already burdened by tragedy.
Ruan’s family, led by a single mother of three, has already weathered the storm of loss when Ruan and his twin brother Erard were just nine years old, their dad was suddenly taken from them. Now, faced with the looming spectre of this rare tumour, they find themselves grappling with the daunting reality of medical expenses they simply cannot afford.
‘When Ruan was diagnosed it felt as if my whole world was about to collapse and I could not help but feel extremely sad and shocked for what was happening to my son. I was in total disbelief! How could this happen to someone so undeserving? I felt helpless and alone, scared of losing him and unsure of what I could do to help. I was not prepared to lose another loved one! But now I feel that God has sent an army of angels along our way, strengthened our support system and guided us along the way. We have courage. We have strength. We have hope!’ Nadine tell us.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but Ruan refuses to let fear dictate his fate. He dreams of a future where he can pursue his passions and aspirations, but time is not on his side. Urgent action is needed to raise the necessary funds for his specialised surgery and hospitalisation, including the expertise of surgeons and the crucial support of mental health professionals.
Pictured above: Ruan Weideman
‘All Ruan wants is to be tumour free! To be able to eat properly, speak normally, to one day have a perfect smile and teeth. To be healthy again, to be able to go to the gym again and to visit his friends on his (imaginary) motorbike!’ says Nadine
To help alleviate the burdens of the looming medical bills, Ruan’s family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R74 000 of their R900 000 goal with the help of 55 incredible donors.
The money raised will help Ruan get the life saving operation he desperately needs. The hope of Mone and her family is to raise enough money so that Ruan’s future medical needs are taken care of as he will need to be monitored for tumour recurrence, statistically this tumour has a 30% recurrence. Frequent amendments to his obturator, scans, speech therapy and reconstructive surgery, and more medical needs are also included.
‘Ruan is extremely grateful for all the help and he is blown away by how much people care for those who truly need it. He is looking to the future with hope and positivity and wants to become a Dentist one day.’ says Nadine
Siyanda Mwelase, a 29-year-old from KwaMashu in Durban, better known as Siyanda Peterson on TikTok, has deeply impacted thousands with his inspiring and educational content detailing his journey of surviving cancer. Despite battling cancer last year and emerging victorious, Siyanda now finds himself facing the disease again. Yet, his resilience and triumph continue to serve as an emblem of strength, especially for youth grappling with illnesses.
Last year, in June, Siyanda received the devastating diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer. Despite the initial shock, he faced the challenge head-on, undergoing weeks of rigorous treatment. His unwavering determination and the support of his medical team brought in the incredible news that he was declared cancer-free.
However, Siyanda’s journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself back in the hospital this year. Tests revealed that cancer had returned, this time more aggressively, necessitating a gruelling regimen of chemotherapy.
“Yoh, to be honest, when I heard it came back, I was gutted,” Siyanda shares. “I never expected it to return, you know? I thought I had it beat once and for all, but sadly, that’s not the case.”
As a social media influencer, Siyanda’s platform became a medium of education and inspiration. Through candid videos documenting his chemotherapy sessions and the profound impact of the disease on his life, Siyanda garnered widespread attention, even catching the eye of celebrities like Somizi Mhlongo, who lent their support.
“You know, one thing I’ve realised is that my social media community has really come through for me,” Siyanda acknowledges. “They’ve been incredibly supportive ever since I shared my diagnosis, and I can’t forget to mention my family—their support has been absolutely amazing.”
Despite the triumph of previously conquering cancer, Siyanda faces a new battle. The financial strain of medical expenses weighs heavily, threatening to overshadow his past victories. Now, Siyanda seeks the support of the community that has stood by him, appealing for assistance in securing the funds needed to continue his treatment and recovery.
“We fought this battle together, and I’m grateful for every ounce of support,” Siyanda expresses. “Now, I ask for your help once more as I embark on this next chapter of my journey. Together, we can overcome any obstacle.”
To help overcome the financial burden, Siyanda launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to cover his ongoing medical expenses as he continues his battle against cancer.
With a fundraising target of R35,500 to cover his Lancet Laboratories and Ampath Lab debt, the community rallies behind Siyanda by raising over R3,000 thus far from 18 donors.
“To be honest, I hesitated to even start the BackaBuddy campaign after being encouraged by my followers,” Siyanda admits. “But the outpouring of support has been truly uplifting. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t feel sufficient for those who have shown love and generosity from afar. I’m deeply appreciative and humbled by everyone’s support, and grateful to have such people backing me.”
To support Siyanda, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
