Brittany McCormick (25) a keynote speaker from Paarl, Western Cape, was born premature at just 25 weeks.
Attached to ‘every pipe and tube imaginable’, Brittany spent the first 3 months of her life in the intensive care unit, where her anxious parents Hadley (59) and Anthea (53) watched over her.
At the age of 1 Brittany was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia of high muscle tone, told she would never be able to walk, and that living past the age of 18 would be a ‘miracle’.
Defying the odds, Brittany learned to crawl at 2, and with the help of physiotherapy during lockdown, she can now even walk short distances on her treadmill with little assistance, a major triumph.
“I had come so far with learning to walk that I didn’t want to backtrack, so my family and I kept it going throughout the lockdown. During this time, I felt I needed a challenge, so I took part in the virtual races of the justice league and completed the entire series. Fast forward a year and a bit, I’m still learning to walk unassisted.” – says Brittany
Putting her best foot forward
Near the end of 2021, the pipes beneath Brittany’s wheelchair cracked, and was in dire need of a service. Spending 10 days without her wheels, Brittany was put in a humbling position.
“I understood first-hand how reliant I am on my wheelchair, and how limiting life can be if your mobility is taken away from you. I began thinking of the people who aren’t in the financial position to afford a wheelchair, let alone get it repaired. This struck a string within my heart.” -says Brittany
Challenging her will and her abilities, Brittany came up with an idea to give at least 6 individuals their own wheelchair, by walking 100km on her treadmill over 6 months.
To make her charitable dream come true, Brittany launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy with a fundraising goal of R70 000, to benefit Paarl School in Brackenfell, who will select the underprivileged beneficiaries most in need.
Since the launch of her campaign on 4 April 2022, Brittany has raised over R54 0000 with kind contributions from 66 donors. For every R8500 raised, Brittany will fund a wheelchair for someone in need.
While she had originally intended to walk 100km in six months, Brittany has completed walking 100km since she started her incredible journey 4 months ago.
I not only reached the 100km target but took on another challenge for the last day of my 100km walk. We needed to hit the last 1 with a bang, so a 2-hour challenge was set. I had never walked for 2 hours before, and little did I know that I would achieve another personal goal when I started this amazing journey. I managed to get to a distance of 3kms. I didn’t do this alone I had my family and we all challenged ourselves to do something for 2 hours that we found difficult.
One of my biggest goals going into this was wanting to show that no matter what others’ opinions are it’s your determination, drive and willpower that really matter in the end.
This journey has taught me to have a different respect for my body and health as well as my mindset. It has given me a new view and perspective of what your inner abilities really are and a new level of not only determination but dedication.
Thank you to everyone who liked, shared, featured the purpose walk, and interviewed me for their publication. And a very special thank you to my family and friends for pushing me when I felt I have very little left. For the continuous encouragement and for celebrating the small milestones with me that were huge achievements in small ways I’m forever grateful. – says Brittany
This journey of the purpose walk is not yet over, I still need your help to hit my target. We have come too far to give up, we are all in this together. Our vision and dreams can become a reality if we work together.
If you’d still like to contribute towards her dream and help others, Brittany’s campaign is still open and accepting 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 raised over R314 Million.
Greg Bertish (51) from Kommetjie, Western Cape was diagnosed with Endocarditis, which is caused by a bacteria that attacks the heart valves. He was only 30 years old.
Tests revealed that his heart was swollen 30% bigger than normal, and his aortic valve was destroyed and almost non-existent. He was rushed in for emergency Open Heart Surgery and the Ross Procedure.
In April 2016 Greg Bertish sailed an 8 foot Children’s Optimist dinghy around the Cape of Storms. He crossed False Bay, rounded Cape Point and headed for Langebaan Lagoon on the wild West Coast. His 200-kilometre journey matched the 200 days he had spent in hospital fighting life-threatening heart infections.
Little Optimist Trust
After Greg’s life-changing adventure, he founded The Little Optimist Trust, and penned a children’s book about a little believer with a HUGE heart, hoping to teach kids that being small, sick, poor or different is OK. And prove that they too can survive and thrive, get better, be better and follow their passions and dreams.
To date, The Little Optimist Trust has raised over R3.2 Million rand and has impacted more than 500 000 children.
Optimising Bathrooms for Special Needs children
This October, The Little Optimist Trust is taking on a humble quest, to uplift Astra School, an institution for 300 physically and mentally disabled learners between the age of 5 and 18 in Montana, Cape Town.
The school’s hostel is in dire need of beautification and an upgrade, as more than 45 students use the rundown facilities. Bathing is a challenge for wheelchair users in particular, as the showers are not in working order, and the students are currently unable to shower while seated.
Hoping to raise R70 000 to launch phase 1 of the renovation project, which will allow the organisation to purchase the building materials needed to upgrade two bathrooms, The Little Optimist Trust has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of the project, more than R20 000 has been raised through kind contributions from 13 donors.
“With this initiative, not only will we finally have working bathrooms again, but this will bring love, hope and positivity to these kids who need this more than anything. Thank you for helping us to restore our dignity” – says Melanie Mabotha, Principal of Astra School.
Students from Astra School.
In collaboration with Italtile Ceramics and Italtile Foundation, The Little Optimist Trust has thus far raised over R100 000 to start their project and has received tiles, baths, and basins to the value of R133 000 from Italtile stores across the country.
“With additional support, we are optimistic that we will get all hands on deck to start our project in October 2022. We hope that you will join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these wonderful children, by providing them with the facilities and opportunities that so many of us take for granted.” – says Greg Bertish, Founder of The Little Optimist Trust
*All donated funds will be paid into The Little Optimist Trust account which will then be paid to contractors for building materials.
Donors are eligible for a section 18A certificate issued by The Little Optimist Trust on request.
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 R340 Million.
According to CNN, monsoon rains in Pakistan have killed more than 1033 people, including 348 children, and have affected more than 33 Million people since Mid-June 2022.
Responding to a request for international assistance, by Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, The Gift of the Givers, have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping to raise R100 000, to help those in need.
A Message from Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of The Gift of the Givers:
“We have immediately opened dialogue with the Surgeon General’s office in the Pakistani military and Alkhidmat, a civil society organisation, both are entities with whom we had excellent partnerships during our intervention in the earthquake of 2005 and the floods of 2010. The military have the resources, helicopters, boats, personnel, capability and logistics to access “cut-off” areas as 60% of the country is underwater currently. Alkhidmat has proven time and again its capability to reach the most far-flung areas where a large majority of poverty-stricken families reside.
The situation is an absolute tragedy with a million homes destroyed, 33 million civilians displaced, roads, bridges, infrastructure and sewerage systems decimated, localities are cesspools of faeces with increasing cases of waterborne diseases, fertile agricultural land washed away and animals are hungry. The official death toll is 1000 but the reality is that it could be 4-5x more given the volume and power of water flowing in the country.
The priority requirements are tents to set up tent cities, dry food rations that can be consumed without cooking and the provision of hot meals. Gift of the Givers has authorised the purchase of these items immediately. Medical care is adequate given the large support from pharmaceutical companies and volunteer health care workers nationally.”
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.
Graham Wells (45) from Pelham in Pietermaritzburg, will take on his 8th Comrades Marathon on 28 August 2022.
Running barefoot from Pietermaritzburg to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Graham has decided to dedicate his 90km challenge to the plight of the growing homeless population in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
“I’m a firm believer that running medals don’t mean anything unless you have made a difference for someone else. ” – says Graham
Partnering with One Life Foundation, Graham has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy called “Run for a roof”, to raise R250 000 towards the estimated R1 million needed to fund a much-needed homeless shelter in the area.
Graham Wells
“Whilst out training in the freezing cold mornings, I am always struck by the number of homeless in our city. As we complain about the weather getting colder, imagine what it must get like living on the street, in a park or on a field. These are normal people, like you and I, and for whatever reason, have found themselves in a difficult situation and, consequently, homeless.” – says Graham
Since the launch of his campaign, Graham has raised over R33 000 with kind contributions from 32 donors. Funds raised will not only cover the cost to build the housing structure, but also provide the homeless with the appropriate rehabilitation services to re-build their own lives.
Graham Wells
Having worked in social housing in the United Kingdom, helping the homeless has always been close to Graham’s heart.
“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
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.
Sandi Pitchers Keel (58), an adventure junkie from Mondeor, Johannesburg, affectionately known as ‘DirtBarbie’, has always taken life by the horns and knows a thing or two about endurance, and the road less travelled.
For the last 18 years, Sandi has been a member of the motorcycling community, racing 1000cc superbikes, taking on national Supermoto, enduro, cross-country and a bit of MX racing, and she even conquered the legendary KTM 500.
“Sandi is a very strong-willed and self-determined individual. She has nerves of steel which is a great attribute for her riding adventures. She strongly believes in justice for all and is willing to help anyone when she can. Even though she does not have much she is always the first to put her hand in her pocket to help someone in need.” says her sister, Tracy
After a freak bike accident, the daredevil geared up to take on her biggest challenge yet, a rare cancer diagnosis.
Hot Pink: ‘Dirtbarbie’ on her KTM 500
Off Track
On 17 December 2021, while travelling to the Eastern and Western Cape to ride the magnificent passes, Sandi’s riding partner accidentally drove into the back of her bike just outside Gariep dam.
While her bike was badly damaged, costing R38 000 to fix, Sandi’s physical injuries didn’t seem serious, and she gave herself 10 days to recover at her sister’s house in Jeffreys Bay, before making the 3-day journey back to Johannesburg.
On 18 January 2022, exactly one month after her accident, or ‘naps’, as she likes to call them, Sandi was admitted to Mulbarton Hospital after a weekend spent coughing, vomiting, and eventually throwing up blood.
To help increase Sandi’s sodium levels, she was placed on a drip that made her arm swell severely. To reduce the swelling, doctors administered an intravenous antibiotic that sent her into Anaphylaxis shock, which put her life in jeopardy.
On the 4th of February 2022, Sandi was transferred to Donald Gordon Hospital where she had to undergo 3 debridement operations on her arm where her drip was placed, as well as a gastroscopy which revealed an extensive infection from malnutrition.
It was only after doctors ran a series of blood tests that they realised the root of Sandi’s symptoms for which she was initially admitted.
Sandi stopped in her tracks when she was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Small Cell Carcinoma with Paraneoplastic Syndrome, a rare, aggressive cancer that started as lung cancer.
Letting go of her locks
On the 16th of February 2022, ‘rebel heart’ on full display, Sandi snuck out of her bed after 30 days in hospital, and met her sister Tracy in the parking lot, who was waiting with the engine running.
The pair made their getaway to IamBrett salon for virtue and not vanity, hellbent on transforming Sandi’s trademark platinum locks into a ‘short and sassy’ grey do, to create wigs for CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa.
“After having long blonde hair, which so many admired, it was indeed my crowning glory. I knew that the journey ahead would see me losing it, so I thought why waste it when it can be put to good use to help those cancer patients that need wigs for their cancer journeys. And so it was an easy decision to make.” – says Sandi.
Thanking the pit crew who facilitated the makeover, Sandi said it was one of the best experiences of her life and “something every girl has to do at least once in their lifetime.”
After dropping off her locks around the corner from the salon at CANSA, Sandi returned to the hospital in full glam, where she was met with mouths wide open.
“I was instantly forgiven my ‘misdemeanour’ of course they’d never had an AWOL patient before…but you know…with me around there will be a ” always a first time” – says Sandi.
Full throttle
When Sandi was discharged from the hospital on the 18th February 2022, an oncologist told her that she had less than a year to live and that she should live her life to the fullest, doing all the things she had always wanted to do.
Not accepting the verdict, and the low chance of survival she was given, Sandi sought a second opinion.
“When you give me limitations, I AM going to prove you wrong. Here’s a news flash, I don’t accept it, he isn’t the author of my destiny” – says Sandi.
After meeting with a cardiologist, Sandi was given the go-ahead for a specialised treatment, recommended by medical and radiation oncologists that has shown promising results.
Unfortunately, the treatment does pose a risk to Sandi’s genetic heart condition, known as Marfan syndrome, which affects connective tissue. Radiation could dilate Sandi’s already enlarged aorta further, for which she needed to be monitored carefully.
To treat Sandi’s tumours, doctors have mapped out an extensive plan that consists of chemotherapy and 33 consecutive radiation sessions, which if all goes well should conclude on Friday, 16th May.
Pit crew needed
To assist Sandi with the rollercoaster of expenses she faced, a crowdfunding campaign had been launched on BackaBuddy, to appeal for public support, as Sandi was unemployed.
Fortunately, Sandi does have medical aid and gap cover but it’s all the expenses in between that she needs assistance with.
Unable to work due to being ill has made it difficult for Sandi to cover the cost of her medical aid, gap cover, the supplementals not covered by her medical insurance, fuel costs to and from treatments, as well as a stipend for her sister, who has given up her life in the Western Cape to care for Sandi during this time.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R94 600 was been raised with contributions from 60 generous donors.
“A humongous thank you to every one of you who has contributed to my cause. I cannot begin to explain the gratitude I have for all of you who have supported me. The outpouring of genuine love and encouragement has touched me at the core of my being and I am humbled. Some days tears slip out of my eyes when I think of you all and how you have helped me, my cup runneth over. May you all be blessed as you have blessed me.” – Sandi’s message to her supporters
Update 5th September
The doctors have been in to see me. The tightness around my waist is the spinal lesion inflammed causing me to feel like I have an elastic band around my waist being pulled very tightly, they going to try a med to help, it is seriously so so uncomfortable. I am feeling well otherwise, free of pain and feel no sickness how odd is that. Apparently with the exception of my slightly punk rock hair I look healthy and not like a cancer patient, it is really odd.
DIRECT RADIATION INDUCED MYELITIS is very rare and only like 1 in 100000 get it, and I got it, Radiation myelopathy usually occurs months or years after cessation of radiation therapy and may progress to total paralysis. One more brain radiation either today or tomorrow can’t remember then that’s done and I’ve apparently done very well, they only take away 20% of your memory, send pictures with names on so I know who you are.
I will not enjoy any of the activities I used to, I will not walk like I used to, or drive or ride my bike and hopefully my bladder and bowels do not fail, but I’m doing my best to be as mobile as possible as hard and terrifying as it is but the physio says I’m very determined and motivated. I just don’t want to fall, I have had two really painful falls. Hurt me more face planting off my feet than off my moving braap machines BUT ALL THIS SAID THEY DO NOT KNOW MY SPIRIT!
They have to go do a home assessment for my needs before they will let me out, so many changes I never ever in my wildest imagination could have dreamt of. So hopefully the social workers will do that tomorrow and I can go home the very latest Friday.
Thank you for all the visits and spoils. You have all lifted my spirits and kept me so positive with your outpouring of love and support. I am blessed with the best. They going to have to make a plan to get this beached whale out of the ward because man people have bought me delicious food and cake and chocolates, beats the chicken and mash twice a day by a country mile.
I really need your help now with all these assisted living changes and I’m once again ovewhelmed with the generosity of people who are supporting me and I thank you again, and again and again.
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 R313 Million.
Cleopatra Leoschut (37), a single mother and police constable in the crime prevention unit from Robertson, Western Cape would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need, says her friend for over a decade, Michelle Brown.
“Cleo always puts others first, whether it’s in her job in the police force, where she has served for almost 12 years, or in her role as a doting mom, to her 6-year-old son, Liam, she has always lived to serve and protect others. I have always admired Cleo’s resilience towards anything that life throws at her.” – says Michelle
In October 2020, Cleo’s life came to a grinding halt, when she found 3 lumps on her breast and was soon after diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
“I never thought that I would get cancer. You always hear about this stuff but never expect it to happen to you. It took a while for me to accept. I used to cry a lot but not in front of my son and I kept asking God why did this happen to me” – says Cleo
Not one to back down or give up, Cleo went into combat mode to fight her devastating diagnosis.
“One day I felt really sad when I noticed that my hair is starting to fall out, then out of the blue my son came to me, and gave me a hug and said ‘Eks baie lief vir mammie’. He hugged me so tightly as if he’s never going to let go of me and that’s when I decided that I need to get my mind right and fight back” – says Cleo
Cleo finally celebrated being in remission after a successful operation in July 2021. She has now been cancer-free for 13 months.
A little help from a friend
On 12 August 2022, Cleo underwent a skin graft procedure, to repair her damaged tissue after the months of radiation therapy she endured.
Knowing that her friend would be unable to cover the shortfall of the procedure, approximately R11 000, Michelle has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to allow Cleo to recover without additional financial stress.
“With the current economic climate, Cleo and her son live with her parents, and this is money she just doesn’t have. I want nothing more than for my friend to focus on her health and put this traumatic experience behind her.” – says Michelle
“Cleo is truly a role model of what strong will, hard work, a positive mindset and constant faith can do. I want to implore each and everyone reading this to please assist with a donation of any amount towards her medical bills.” – says Michelle
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.
