Aaron Lipschitz (7) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is the first child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare, genetic condition that affects the immune system.
In simple terms, the cells in Aaron’s immune system do not communicate effectively and as a result he is unable to fight infections.
Of the few known cases worldwide, Aaron is the only child who is unable to tolerate any food without becoming very ill. Before his bone marrow transplant in August 2018, the only nutrition he has been able to cope with was a hypoallergenic formula called Neocate LCP. He is still primarily fed via a MIC-KEY feeding port in his stomach.
As there is currently no cure for Aaron’s condition, the only way for him to overcome his recurrent infections and survive this condition, was to have a bone marrow transplant.
To help cover the costs of finding an international bone marrow donor, as well as assist his family with his ongoing medical expenses, a campaign was created on crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy.
Finally in August 2018, Aaron’s family got the call they had been waiting for.
With the support of The South African Bone Marrow Registry, a 100% bone marrow match was found for Aaron overseas. At only 3 years old, Aaron underwent chemotherapy to destroy his current defective immune system before it was replaced with the donor’s bone marrow.
The risky procedure was met with complications when Aaron developed a very rare reaction to the new bone marrow, called a Cytokine Storm, which landed him in Red Cross ICU for a month. The fact that he was able to survive the transplant is a miracle, says Aaron’s mom, Taryn.
“Aaron is a fighter in the true sense of the word. His doctors were trying to prepare us for the worst and I told them to wait and see…Aaron survived against all odds.He has the most incredible zest for life and thirst for knowledge.” – says Taryn.
Since the bone marrow transplant, Aaron seems to be getting fewer infections but unfortunately his immune system has not reconstituted as well or as quickly as doctors would have liked.
To boost his immune system, he needs to have weekly immunoglobulin treatment. Aaron has slowly started to be able to tolerate small amounts of oral food since his bone marrow transplant.
“Despite surviving such a tough procedure, Aaron still has a very long and challenging journey ahead. Whenever we feel that we are getting close to the summit of this mountain,the mountain seems to become higher. All we can do is keep our heads down and keep putting one foot in front of the other.” – says Taryn.
Aaron currently survives on formula administered 3-4 times a day via a MIC-KEY feeding tube in his stomach.
He still requires weekly immunoglobulin infusions where a tiny needle is inserted under the skin in his stomach to administer the infusion.
Aaron is in occupational therapy, physiotherapy and play therapy to help support him and allow him to lead the most normal life possible.
Like most parents, Taryn and Steven had always dreamt of having a second child, giving Aaron an opportunity to be a big brother.
After extensive genetic testing concluded that Aaron’s condition was most likely a random phenomenon that didn’t have a genetic cause, the Lipschitz family were very confident, albeit not 100% certain, that they would have a healthy baby.
“Of course we naturally had concerns that a second child would have a similar condition to Aaron although his exact diagnosis is still unknown. We know that he has a Primary Immunodeficiency but the subtype or variant seems not to have been documented yet worldwide.” – says Taryn
Welcoming their beautiful daughter, Eden into the world on the 27th September 2021 the family never in their ‘darkest nightmares’ imagined that she would be even sicker than Aaron ever was as a baby.
“Within a couple of weeks it became clear that Eden had significant difficulty tolerating feeds and displayed extreme pain and severe vomiting after feeding. Aaron had always tolerated a very hypoallergenic formula called Neocate LCP since birth but Eden is not even able to tolerate that. As a last resort we have had to resort to TPN (total parenteral nutrition) which is intravenous feeding to keep her alive.” – says Taryn
Currently, it is unclear if Eden has the same condition as Aaron, as extensive exome sequencing has not determined the cause of Eden’s difficulties. Doctors believe that Aaron and Eden may have a new genetic variant that has not yet been recorded worldwide.
The financial pressure the Lipschitz family is experiencing, now managing two children with extreme medical needs, has been tremendously difficult for the family, which is on the top medical aid plan, which is expensive in itself.
Taryn, who works as a play therapist, has also not been able to return to work full-time, as Eden’s current hospital admission has been 10 weeks long.
Once-off and recurring donations to the Lipschitz family fund on BackaBuddy, have carried the family through emotionally, physically and financially, says Taryn.
“We are so blessed and grateful to be part of this community and know that help and support is available. We look at how far Aaron has come and we are filled will hope that with the community behind us Eden can also overcome the enormous challenges that lie ahead of her.”
The Lipschitz family would like to encourage all South Africans, to register as bone marrow donors to give children like Aaron and a second chance at life.
To date, the SABMR has helped save the lives of nearly 550 patients with life-threatening blood disorders by matching them with healthy, unrelated bone marrow donors from South Africa and the rest of the world.
According to SABMR, Sustainability Portfolio Manager, Kamiel Singh, there are currently only 74 000 donors registered on the site to cater to over 57 million South Africans.
“We are urging people to go onto the SABMR website to register as a bone marrow/stem cell donor. The process is as simple as making a phone call, filling out a form and having a mouth swab taken. You could save Aaron or another person waiting for their miracle.” – says Taryn
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 44000+ 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 R500 Million.
Josh Crichton (13) from Bedfordview, Johannesburg was a micro premature baby at birth, weighing only 750 grams.
At just 7 months old, unable to reach any of his milestones, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
Despite being severely physically disabled and unable to talk, Josh is a lovely, happy child, always joining in with a laugh when someone makes a joke.
“He is truly so strong and a huge inspiration to all around him and always manages to smile in these trying times.” – says his mom, Denise
Josh’s mom, Denise has been at her son’s side since he was born, as he is unable to do anything on his own.
She lovingly understands him and his needs, but like any superhero mom, she could do it with some help, especially after losing her job in May 2021.
Josh Crichton is always smiling
To help Denise hire a carer for Josh, so that she can return to work, and make a better life for the two of them, non-profit organisation, The Angel Network, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to reach out to the public for much-needed support.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R47 000 has been raised with the help of 23 extraordinary donors, towards their target of R100 000.
Funds raised will also help Denise cover the cost of Josh’s medical aid which covers his nappies, wet wipes, syringes, operations, and the chronic medication which keeps him alive.
Josh’s medical needs are a source of tremendous stress for Denise, as his medical savings are depleting rapidly.
Hospital visits and operations have been a constant for Josh throughout his lifetime.
Josh has undergone a Nissen fundoplication surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, a gastric volvulus operation, various Botox procedures, tendon lengthening, and has been fitted with a feeding tube on two occasions.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/samantha-parrish
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/JoshandDenise
All donors are eligible for a Section 18a Tax certificate, issued by The Angel Network.
The Angel Network is an organization, run solely via the power of social media. They are a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO: 181-947) and Public Benefits Organisation (PBO).
Their goal is to create a gateway for giving. A platform from which helping where help is needed, is easily accessible to anyone wanting to do a little more, and give a little more.
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 R312 Million.
At the age of 25, Jayce De Villers (26) from Nelspruit, now working as an English teacher in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, finally embraced his true gender identity.
Born in a woman’s body, and sensing an attraction to the same sex, Jayce came out as a lesbian at the age of 12, but deep down sensed that he wasn’t being true to his authentic self.
“I knew something was wrong.. something was missing… something was not right. My past relationships never worked out due to my internal personal struggles,” says Jayce
Starting bodybuilding in 2018, as a vehicle to gain confidence (and mass), Jayce began entertaining the voice in his head telling him to embrace the man he always knew he was on the inside.
Jayce has finally embraced his true gender identity.
For the last 3 years, Jayce has been taking testosterone, which made a tremendous impact on not only his physical appearance but his mental health, too.
“From being masculine to having facial hair (still struggling) to my voice changing. I love what difference it has brought into my life, living in my own skin. But of course, there’s a lot still to accomplish before I would be okay with looking into the mirror and loving what I see.” – says Jayce
Taking strides towards self-actualization, Jayce has decided to take a giant leap, with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to fund his top surgery in Thailand, estimated to cost R100 000.
“I hate to admit it but my breasts are something that kills me daily. To see the straps of my sports bra kills me. To wonder if my sports bra is showing underneath my button-up shirt kills me. To not swim at a beach because I don’t want another person coming to me and asking me why I wear a bra – kills me. I dream of the day where I can walk freely without a shirt and with confidence take a dip in the ocean or swimming pool with my beautiful wife.” – says Jayce
Jayce and his wife, Leandri
Jayce hopes that by sharing his story, he will not only be at home in his body, for the first time in his life but give other trans individuals the courage to live their truth.
“Having this surgery will finally grant me the freedom I have craved so desperately my whole life. Please open your heart to my story, and join me on this journey, whether your participation is a donation, a share, or a kind comment. This gesture of kindness and respect will mean the world to me, and empower others to take a step away from darkness, insecurity, self-loathing and into the light”
Jayce is ready for his top surgery.
“I’ve honestly never thought I would get things started in regards to Top Surgery and I’ve always envied a lot of people who put things in motion. Everyone before me and everyone after me who follows their hearts and lives a life worth living to themselves is an inspiration .” – says Jayce
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/jayce-de-villiers
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/JayceDevilliers
“The road to Gender Affirming Healthcare is not an easy one. Gender dysphoria is real and in certain cases results in death due to mental wellness. Medical Aids need to realise that this journey is not cosmetic. It takes true wisdom to fathom the unique difference between sex and gender.” – says Leila Ebrahim, from Gender DynamiX
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 R312 Million.
With the ongoing unrest in Ukraine due to the devastating Russian Invasion, The Gift of the Givers has sprung into disaster management mode, working with South Africans on the ground, and various organisations to support repatriation efforts, deliver essential items and medical equipment to those in desperate need.
The initiative came to life at short notice, through various messages The Gift of The Givers received during the first days of the attack.
The first was a South African man, who managed to escape from Kyiv with his wife, who is from Ukraine when the bombing intensified.
At their new place of safety, The Gift of the Givers asked the couple to source supplies including food, baby food, diapers, sanitary pads, hygiene packs, warm clothes and essential medicines, from small shops and wholesalers, to ensure their availability as prices were skyrocketing.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of The Gift of the Givers
Providing disaster intervention training at a distance has been an interesting challenge for The Gift of the Givers, says founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman who commends the volunteers who have been ‘beyond incredible in applying the theory practically.’
“We are expanding the teams and are organising them inside the “hot spots” where there is no entry point for supplies and are replicating the process, finding shops, supplying the funds, identifying specific needs and supplying.When you can’t get items from outside, be resourceful and find everything inside.”
Orphans, the elderly, ordinary people are all being assisted. We are funding the intervention by paying for fuel and everything associated with the purchase and delivery of essential and very basic necessities. We are setting up multiple storage areas. The teams are held by the hand and guided on the approach to disasters on a daily basis.” – says Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
The second request, The Gift of the Givers received, came from a cardiothoracic anaesthetist, who is also being guided on disaster management, the first lesson being on how to practise “emotional distancing”.
The person crossed into Ukraine on the 10th of March and is being provided with fuel and funds to purchase essential items from Europe to expand the scope, scale and speed of the intervention.
For members of the public hoping to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, The Gift of the Givers have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a moving target of R1 Million rand.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/intervenes-in-ukraine
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/GiftofTheGiversUkraineAid
“The Gift of the Givers’ resilience and compassion is a true reflection of the South African spirit. We are exceptionally proud to partner with this incredible organisation, who strives to uplift humanity not just at home, but all over the globe” – says Catherine Du Plooy, BackaBuddy COO.
Foundations and companies alike are working with The Gift of the Givers to help in this time of crisis, where so many people are devastated, displaced, in shock and in despair.
“The Ukraine Association of South Africa has partnered with us. They are connected to medical personnel inside Ukraine. Medical supplies are being sourced inside the country and together with their own financial contributions, we will commence purchases of these life-saving materials for health facilities “trapped” in the hot spots.” says Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
Discussions have been held with medical aid societies, pharmaceutical companies and health facilities in South Africa to supply essential medicines which will be sent by commercial flight to support all other medical requirements inside Ukraine.
Suzanne Ackerman from the Ackerman Family Foundation has pledged R1.5 million towards the repatriation of South African and African students. McKinsey is putting together a package for the same purpose. DIRCO has also been engaging with Gift of the Givers on the repatriation matter.
For members of the public hoping to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, The Gift of the Givers have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a moving target of R1 Million rand.
The Ukrainian Ambassador, Dr Liubov Abravitova, thanked the Gift of the Givers at a press conference on Monday, 7 March 2022, for their intervention in Ukraine and has requested a meeting to discuss humanitarian initiatives as soon as they are available.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. The essence of their presence is to bring hope and restore dignity to the most vulnerable.Over the last 27 years, they have delivered over R2.1 billion in aid to 43 countries around the world, including South 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 R312 Million.
GIVE GRACEY THE GIFT OF LIFE: Fourteen-month-old, Gracey Green is in dire need of a stem cell transplant. You could be her match.
Gracelyn (Gracey) Green – an adorable toddler from Atlantis, Cape Town hopes to win over the hearts of thousands of strangers throughout the country in a desperate plea to save her life.
The fourteen-month-old was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) – a rare cancer of the blood that affects young children and her only chance of survival is a stem cell transplant.
The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), which is facilitating a donor match for Gracey, is imploring those of colour to get tested to see if they could be a possible stem cell match.
Zaahier Isaacs, Acting Head of Patient Services for the SABMR says Gracey is classified as an “emergency transplant case”, which means there’s no time to waste.
“In most cases, family members, especially siblings are generally most suitable, but even then, only 30% of patients are lucky enough to find a suitable match among their relatives. That’s why we must cast the net wider to the public to find the best possible match.
Without a stem cell transplant, Gracey might not make her second birthday.
“Due to the family’s financial circumstances, all testing and collection of stem cells will be funded via the SABMR’s Patient Assistance Programme, so they don’t need to be burdened further with any medical expenses. Everything is in place, now we just need a donor match.
“Brave little Gracey has already endured three blocks of chemotherapy that have been unsuccessful. She was diagnosed last August, and time is running out. We are relying on the kindness of a stranger to come to her aid.
To raise the estimated R500 000 needed to find Gracey a suitable stem cell donor, the SABMR, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping the little one will be able to celebrate her second birthday.
Funds raised will be used to procure additional buccal swab kits (testing kits), and cover the costs of donors’ medical tests in the hopes to save Gracey’s life.
“When we see little children carrying such heavy burdens, we can only hope and pray that the donor community will open their hearts, to lighten the load. Right now little Gracey is waiting for her miracle, and we know that her knight in shining armor is out there” says Catherine Du Plooy, BackaBuddy COO.
Support Baby Gracey by making a donation on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/give-baby-gracey
Her mother, Shanique Green, died last June in a fire that emblazoned the family’s home in Atlantis. Minutes before her last breath, she handed Gracey to a bystander through the window and went back to try to save her grandmother, but this proved fatal.
Lorenzo Erasmus, Gracey’s father, says it took a long time to come to terms with Shanique’s death and then to hear the devastating news of Gracey’s illness was just too much to bear.
“Doctors aren’t certain how long she will live without a transplant, but our focus right now is to find the best match. The better the match, the better her survival rate after the procedure.” – says Lorenzo
Gracey with her dad, Lorenzo Erasmus. Image: Carte Blanche
Her aunt, Lizel Solomons says symptoms first appeared in July last year when she noticed Gracey’s unusually swollen tummy. After a GP examined her, an ambulance was dispatched, and they were rushed to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
“That’s when I knew something was terribly wrong,” says Solomon.
“A series of tests showed that Gracey had an enlarged spleen, liver and lymph nodes, which eventually led to a JMML diagnosis. It happens when certain white blood cells, called monocytes and myelocytes, don’t mature as they should. This can either happen suddenly or can be associated with other genetic disorders in some children. In Gracey’s case, it’s linked to the former.
“Since the diagnosis, she’s been on several chemotherapy drugs to slow the spread of cancer cells and have undergone chemo without any improvement, so now our only hope is a stem cell transplant.
“My plea is to everyone in our community to help find a donor for our little angel. There’s a match waiting for Gracey, but time is running out. We need every single person who can, to register as a donor. If anyone deserves a second chance, Gracey does.”
According to the SABMR, people of colour are heavily underrepresented in the registry and it is therefore much more difficult for patients with a diverse ethnic heritage to find a matching donor.
Isaacs says Gracey’s chance of finding a match is about one in 100 000, but the SABMR remains hopeful.
“The likelihood of people from mixed ethnic backgrounds finding a successful match is a mere 37% compared to patients from European descent whose chances are 72%.
“The procedure to donate stem cells is non-invasive and takes less than a few minutes to sign up on our website. Anyone in good health, between the ages of 16 and 45 can register.”
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/give-baby-gracey
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/BabyGracey
https://sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor/
The SABMR (NPO) was established in 1991, motivated by the concern that although bone marrow transplants were a life-saving treatment option, they were only available to patients with a matching donor in their family. Today, the SABMR searches both locally and internationally for donors, thereby making collaboration with international registries and observing universal standards of practice essential.
To date, the SABMR has helped save the lives of over 550 patients with life-threatening blood disorders by matching them with healthy, unrelated bone marrow donors from South Africa and the rest of the world.
According to SABMR, Sustainability Portfolio Manager, Kamiel Singh, there are currently only 74 000 donors registered on the site to cater to over 57 million South Africans.
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 R310 Million.
Pictured above: Kristina Oliinyk (31), who was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, has been living in Vredehoek, Cape Town for the last 7 years.
Since Russia unleashed a series of unprovoked attacks on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, at least 102 civilians have been killed, and 304 people have been injured, UN Human Rights Chief, Michelle Bachelet, told Sky News.
Seeking refuge, over 100 000 individuals have fled their homes to neighbouring countries such as Romania, Moldova, Poland, and Hungary, to escape the devastation.
Kristina Oliinyk (31), who was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and has been living in Vredehoek, Cape Town for the last 7 years, was woken up at 4am by a distressing phone call from her mother as Putin announced the military operation.
She then turned on the TV, and watched the news in horror with concerned individuals around the world.
“I was heartbroken and felt so helpless” – says Kristina
Overcome with worry for her family, friends, and the people of her country who are currently living in fear, unable to access resources, have been displaced or injured, Kristina is appealing to the world not to turn their backs on her beloved Ukraine.
Many civilians are unable to leave, as any movement increases their risk of being shot.
My mom isn’t able to get to the bomb shelter 10 minutes from her home, in fear of losing her life, like so many who are being killed on their way to Poland.
My friend who is pregnant was faced with the difficult decision to stay home or leave, after a rocket burned down a house in her neighbourhood. Frightened for her life, and the future of her unborn child, she sleeps in a bathtub.
I have friends who stay in smaller towns, without bomb shelters who have been sleeping in their cars, unsure how tomorrow will be.
Thankfully, my sister who is looking after my gran who recently had a stroke, have both arrived safely in Warsaw.
Pictured above: A photo Kristina took on a recent trip back home. Kristina’s mom (far left), and her friends, are in danger in the Ukraine.
“Every hour our soldiers are catching the rockets from Russia in the sky and it’s very intense. It’s only the beginning of this unforgivable war. People are staying in underground shelters with their little kids, pets, disabled parents. Some people don’t have anywhere to escape to” – says Kristina
“Putin ignores the fact that Ukraine has been a separate sovereign country since 1991 when the USSR collapsed. He still lives in the past and says that Ukrainians and Russians are “one”. Human rights don’t exist for Putin.”
To assist humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and soften the impact of the crisis on the lives of ordinary people, Kristina has launched a crowdfunding campaign on, BackaBuddy, to benefit Nova Ukraine, a 501(c)3 registered non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening civil society in Ukraine.
“Ukraine is not attacking anyone, and they never tried to expand their borders; My people are at home, protecting what belongs to them. We were born in Ukraine, and we are not going anywhere. Ukrainian people need all the support they can get at the moment.” – says Kristina
The fundraising target, which is expected to increase as more help is needed, has currently been set at R500 000 ($32 700), to help Ukrainian people and hospitals with essentials.
“This war is not only against Ukraine but against democracy and democratic values of the independent country which has its own traditions, language & borders, which was fighting for their rights to exist for generations. We can’t just sit and watch while a catastrophe of this scale is happening in 2022. The only hope is for the world to hear us,” says Kristina
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/Kristina-Oliinyk-supports-Ukraine
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/KOSUkraine
Funds raised by this campaign will be transferred daily to Nova Ukraine.
BackaBuddy is a global, safe and secure fundraising platform, based in South Africa that accepts donations both locally and internationally.
https://instagram.com/makeitbrightcapetown
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 R330 Million.