On 14 December 2021, Marizka De Villiers (26) and her two daughters Megan (5) and Chané (9 months), were brutally attacked by the neighbour’s pit bull on an agricultural plot in Randfontein, Johannesburg.
While looking for their dog which went missing, the neighbours dog broke through his chain, began circling Megan, and eventually attacked her face.
“I was fighting with the pitbull while holding my baby in my arms. I shouted out for help but no one came. I told Megan to lay still and to be quiet so that the pitbull would think that she’s dead” – says Marizka.
Without transport, Marizka walked to the nearest road, carrying both her children in her arms, and flagged down a motorist, who drove them to Mohtlakeng 24hr clinic.
Trying to save Megan’s life, Marizka got bitten on both her arms and on her hand, while holding Baby Chané, who suffered serious bites on her lower leg and limb, exposing the muscle to the left of her groin.
Megan’s injuries to her face and arms were so severe, that her chances of survival were minimal.
In need of serious medical attention, Marizka, Megan, and Chané were soon transferred to Leratong Hospital. Megan’s heart stopped beating for the first time on the way there.
Arriving at Leratong Hospital, which was at full capacity, Megan was declared “dead on arrival” as she lost a lot of blood and wasn’t breathing.
In the ambulance on the way to Baragwanath Hospital, Megan’s heart stopped beating for a second time. Fighting for her life, Megan didn’t give up and she pulled through, against all odds.
“This has by far been the most traumatic experience of my life. I have never been so scared and felt more helpless. It felt like time stood still while waiting to hear if my girls were going to make it” – says Marizka.
Hoping for Healing
After a week in the hospital, and not in need of surgery, Chané was eventually discharged on 21st December 2021.
Since the ordeal, Megan has had surgery on her face to close her wounds, as well as surgery on her lower and upper eyelids. She was finally discharged on Christmas eve, 24th December 2021, after spending 2 weeks in hospital.
The family has since moved to Hillshaven, Westonaria.
“Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, but it was a very difficult time for our family. Every time I see our battle wounds, I am reminded of what we have gone through. Our lives changed in an instant” says Marizka.
Megan on 12 Jan 2022.
To assist the family with the reconstruction surgery Megan will need to undergo, as well as the trauma and occupational therapy she will need, Carol Murphy, a good samaritan, who met Marizka at Leratong Hospital, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R5000 has been raised, towards the family’s fundraising target of R50 000, with kind contributions from 10 donors both locally and internationally.
Funds raised will be used for the family’s medical expenses and transport, as Marizka is currently unemployed, and doesn’t have medical aid or access to her own vehicle.
“I just want the girls to get the best treatment and surgery they might need and to be together. If this target is reached it will keep my faith in humankind, but most importantly, help the family who desperately needs help” – says Carol
Megan on 7 Feb 2022
“Megan is physically doing well but emotionally she’s struggling with the whole situation. I hope that she will recover fully and that she can get the best medical care” – says Marizka
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 R300 Million.
The organisation, which is a positive public-private partnership, intersecting the government and the private sector, teams up with students to address issues of post-qualification employment and finding decent work.
ISFAP has generously agreed to give three students an opportunity to follow their university dreams, by covering 70% of their tuition fees,granted they are able to crowdfund the remaining 30% through their respective campaigns on BackaBuddy.
To qualify for the sponsorship, applicants have to be South African citizens and come from families whose annual income is between R0 – R600 000.00 per annum.
Since the launch of their campaigns, the students have raised a combined total of over 54 0000 with support from 29 donors both locally and internationally.
“This support will enable these students to acquire a broad set of knowledge, skills and character traits that will significantly improve their meaningful participation in the growth of the country, including the economy, human development, leadership, ethical behaviour and broad citizenship. The intention is to advance equal opportunity and equitable income distribution for all South Africans,” says ISFAP
Omolemo Tlomatsane (22), from Limpopo, Eastern Cape, is a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand.
“I always wanted to know how buildings can move and not collapse? How can such tall buildings stand for many years and not fall? I was inquisitive in such a way that one day I looked at a flat for almost the whole day, trying to see it move. I started to fall in love with buildings, and even now when I walk around the streets of Johannesburg, I always look at the flats’ height, pattern, and architecture to see how they might be constructed to be well balanced.” – says Omolemo.
Having lost his parents at a very young age, his grandparents shortly afterwards, and being separated from his siblings, Omolemo has been left to care for himself at home.
Omolemo has raised R1 100 towards his fundraising goal of R45 000.
Sailin Nimalin Vadivelu, from Durban, is a first-year medical student pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBChB) at the University of Pretoria.
“My passion for medicine has stemmed from an early age and was a childhood dream, as I saw the need to give back to the community,” says Sailin.
He has always been a star student who dreams of becoming a Cardiothoracic Surgeon one day, but due to the financial strain caused by the pandemic, his family has been unable to pay for his intuition which will hinder him from completing his studies.
Sailin has raised R38 000 towards his fundraising goal of R45 000.
Nsuku Raphela (20), from Polokwane is a third-year student, currently enrolled for a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Pretoria.
“My mission in this borrowed life is to attain the MBChB degree and become a qualified medical physician to help the community by saving lives and improving the quality of life in the future. I will do this by applying effort and hard work towards my studies and forming educational relations, unselfishness, peace, honesty, integrity, morals and collaboration for the benefit of everyone,” says Nsuku.
Coming from a home of a widowed single parent and three siblings, Nsuku has kept his dream of becoming a qualified medical physician to help the community alive.
Nsuku has raised R14 000 towards his fundraising goal of R45 000.
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) was established in an effort to assist students with the costs of studying at Higher Education Institutions.
It aims to assist poor and ‘missing’ middle-income university students in selected fields of study to afford the university fees by means of providing financial aid provided the candidate meets certain prescribed requirements.
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 R300 Million.
On the evening of 21 January 2022, Christeen Syffert (36) and her two daughters, Justeen (9) and Leanie (6) were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident on N17 Voortrekker Road in Alberton. The family was on their way home after seeing Christeen’s mom.
Paramedics arrived on the scene and found a car, a bakkie, and an SUV that had collided, according to an ER24 statement.
Christeen was trapped in her vehicle, and Justeen and Leanie lay on the ground a few metres away.
Tragically, Christeen died on the accident scene, and Lianie and Justeen were rushed to Netcare Union Hospital suffering critical injuries.
Justeen had bleeding on the brain and lung, injured her liver, and fractured her spine and leg. Sadly, a week after the incident, Justeen passed away from internal injuries and brain damage at Netcare Union Hospital.
As a result of the accident, little Lianie fractured her skull, injured her liver, broke her teeth, and suffered facial cuts as well as a dislocated jaw. She was later placed in an induced coma to allow her body to heal. Lianie has since been transferred to the pediatric ward at the Clinton Hospital, where her distraught father, Neil, watches over her.
“Lianie is doing much better but the road to recovery is still long and hard. She woke up from the seduced coma. Lianie had an operation on Wednesday, 2 February, where they inserted plates in her face. (She has lots of crushed bones on her face)” – says Christeen’s sister-in-law, Cornel Pretorius.
Mounting medical bills
To support the family, who doesn’t have medical aid, with their mounting medical bills, Cornel, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, which has since raised over R230 000, towards their fundraising target of R1 Million rand, to cover the families current and future medical costs.
More than 450 donors both locally and abroad have stepped in to help the family during this traumatic time in their lives.
“I would deeply appreciate you sharing their campaign with your network to help them receive the help I require. Please also consider pledging a monthly donation to enable their family to pay for their medical bills” – says Cornel
Speaking to Elzaan Pienaar at the Alberton Rekord, Cornel said:
“Christeen and Neil were married for 11 years. She was the most loving person who always wanted to help everyone as if it was a shoulder to cry on. She was the support pillar that kept the family together.
“We are going to miss Christeen’s smile and just everything about her. She was always so positive and giving. Her hands stood still for nothing.”
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.
On 12 February 2022, Nadia Lewis (43), from Randburg, Johannesburg, took on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, swimming 1.6km to honour the memory of her son, Hanno, who passed away 8 years ago due to a rare form of cancer.
Hanno’s cancer journey
In June 2013, when Hanno was just 2-and-a-half years old, the happy and healthy boy, who was usually an endless ball of energy, struggled to make it up the driveway when playing with his dad, Tiaan (46), and developed a cough out of the blue that just wouldn’t go away.
Worried about their little boy’s health, Nadia and her husband booked the first available appointment at the paediatrician, who discovered that a mass was impacting Hanno’s right lung and obstructing his air flow.
Whilst in surgery to remove the mass, the Lewis family learned the devastating news that their almost 3-year-old son had a very rare and aggressive soft tissue tumor called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Hanno’s first round of chemotherapy
Adding to their heartbreak, Nadia, who was 8-weeks pregnant at the time had found out days before that she had suffered a miscarriage.
Despite encountering serious complications during treatment, Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months, and was due to start radiation, when his cancer metastasized to his brain.
Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months
“Hearing that our Hanno had terminal cancer shattered our hearts into a million pieces. We continued with his chemotherapy and radiation for a short while longer, until we decided to stop his treatments altogether, and focus on enjoying every moment we had left with our little man. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make” – says Nadia
Surrounded by his parents, Hanno passed away on 19 July 2014, just three days before his 4th birthday; his little brother, Hugo was only 5 weeks old.
Hanno holding his baby brother Hugo. 5 weeks later Hanno died.
Finding purpose
In the year that Hanno passed away, Nadia began volunteering for Rainbows and Smiles, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, which provides emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child of that family is diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
It is here where Nadia found her tribe, her ‘new normal’ and her purpose: ‘making a difference in the lives of these little humans fighting an unfair fight’
“When Bonni Suckling, the founder of Rainbows and Smiles, took me under her wing, I felt comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. She understood the weight of the loss I had experienced, because her son Jed passed away from cancer, too. Her strength and the way she fights for the children we meet still moves me today” says Nadia
Keeping Hanno’s memory alive
The Rainbows and Smiles team and their extraordinary volunteers participate in various fundraising events to support the organization, which receives no government funding.
To keep Hanno’s memory alive, Team Rainbows, dedicates the Midmar Mile swim in particular to Hanno every year, as he had just learned to swim, 3 months before his untimely death.
Hanno learning to swim
What made this year even more special is that ‘non-sporty’ Nadia will be an active participant in this year’s event, and not only cheer from the sidelines.
Admittedly a bit nervous for the swim, Nadia, stepped out of her comfort zone to raise much-needed funds for Rainbows and Smiles through crowdfunding on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R32 000 has been raised with support from donors both locally and internationally, towards her fundraising target of R12 000, which will support the organisation and the amazing work they do.
“Hanno was so young and resilient. Even through treatment he wouldn’t stop playing, running, and jumping. He was, and still is, such an inspiration to me. I can hear him in the back of my mind cheering us on. I want to make him, and his little brother Hugo proud” says Nadia
‘No one gets left behind’
Staying true to the Hawaiian word ‘Ohana’, which means ‘family’, and the Lilo & Stitch, manta ‘no one gets left behind’, Nadia was joined by her Rainbows and Smiles collegues Bonni Suclkling, Zelda Wessels, Denise Towell and her close friend, Catherine Drysdale, as she braved her fear of ‘dark and murky waters’ for the first time.
The ladies, who have each played a role in Hanno’s life, and have provided tremendous emotional support to Nadia through her healing journey, each wore a letter on their swimsuits, which together, will spell out ‘Hanno’.
Nadia Lewis and Bonni Suckling at a Rainbows and Smiles event
“It is so special to have ‘Team Rainbows’ – my best friends – join me on this swim across a full dam. I know they have my back and I have so much love for them” – says Nadia
Support is always needed
Nadia hopes the public will join her, her team members, and the 14 champions swimming to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles swimmers at the Midmar Mile this year, as the organisation is always in need of public support.
“As an organization, we are thankful for every donation, big and small, that we receive. We meet so many people on a daily basis who are going through the most difficult time in their lives fighting cancer. If we can be there to lend a smile, a helping hand or a word of encouragement, we know it means the world to them”
“A few months ago a social worker put us in touch with a mother who was staying in the hospital ward with her very sick little girl. It was the middle of winter and she had no sandals on her feet, no toiletries, just the clothes on her back. As a small gesture, we bought her a few pairs of warm clothes and fluffy slippers, and she fell to the ground, thanking me. As I helped her to her feet, I was reminded of how important it is for us moms to look after each other. That moment will stay with me forever.” – says Nadia
The Midmar 2022 was indeed a very special swim for our team, and we are super grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and cheered from all over the world. Your good vibes, love and support carried me through that dam. There was no way on earth that I would have given up! Not for all the tea in China! Phew, I made it! Word on the street is that I am now classified as an elite athlete. Regardless of my Midmar time
Special thanks to the BackaBuddy team for their support. We were so privileged to receive all the coverage we did through various media platforms, putting our little charity with the big heart on the map. Thank you to EVERYONE who donated and sent messages of well wishes to me and the Team. Thank you so much to each and every swimmer who travelled from a far to honour our children and their loved ones. Lastly to my besties (I am blessed with a few) , family, friends and acquaintances, your love engulfed me. I am honestly the luckiest chick alive – THANK YOU, says Nadia.
Almost 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer in SA every year
The need for cancer awareness is more important now than ever, says Nadia.
“Experts say that around ⅔ of cancers remain unreported and untreated, because of the socio-economic challenges we face as a country, and the lack of awareness around early cancer detection, particularly in children. This means that many individuals don’t get the help they desperately need in time” – says Nadia
Meet ‘Team Rainbows’
Thus far, 14 champions have come on board to pledge their support for Rainbows and Smiles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Collectively, they have raised over R56 000 on BackaBuddy:
Raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles
Members of the public can participate in sporting events, pledge their birthdays or simply sign-up to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles year-round, by setting up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.
How Rainbows and Smiles uses donations:
Distribution of grocery vouchers.
Providing basic clothing needs.
Craft days at the hospitals.
Assistance with transport for patients and parents to and from hospital by providing funds.
Assistance with medical expenses
Psychosocial holistic care.
Bead Bravery project and comfort room
Basic medical equipment, like ports, port needles and PPE.
Assistance basic sanitary ware like nappies, wipes and sanitary pads
Toys and activity sets delivered on a regular basis.
Paediatric oncology ward upliftment.
Sponsorships of workshops where top Dr’s collaborate in the field of Paediatric Oncology.
Awareness talks at schools and companies.
Contributing to funerals arranged for the precious children who have passed away.
Lastly, fuel to reach the hospitals and patients they support.
Connect with Rainbows and Smiles
Rainbows and Smiles is a community based, charitable foundation dedicated to providing emotional, social and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening illness, and their families and caregivers.
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 R290 Million.
Nikhil Rathilall (13), a sharp and assured student from Muizenberg, Cape Town, has been selected by Crew For a Cause, a registered NPO and PBO focused on empowering disadvantaged students through education, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend Bergvliet High.
Crew for a Cause is a growing community of like-minded South Africans, from all walks of life, who believe that small contributions from many can make a big difference in the lives of gifted scholars and help change their futures for the better.
Paying it forward, the members have made it their mission to fund the fees of several hard-working students, to lift families out of poverty, and provide a way out of desperate situations.
“Crew for a Cause was started with the idea that, through education, we can provide a child with the platform to better themselves and their communities and to do our part to change South Africa’s future for the better. Ultimately, we’d like to see them develop into role models and community leaders and go on to support their own families and friends.” – says Matthew Sterne, Director of Crew for a Cause
Nikhil, who is a top-achieving student with an aggregate of 80% for all his subjects, has a natural ability in mathematics and dreams of studying IT once he matriculates.
Support for a star student
As Nikhil’s mother works for an aircon company, and his father, who he admires greatly, runs a small operation making curries in their community, his parents don’t have the means to cover their son’s schooling fees at a private school, which would widen his opportunities.
Pictured above: Nikhil with his family.
“Nikhil’s resilience and his ability to always try his best, that’s what makes him stand out. His dreams and visions for the future are to make a difference in the lives of others. He hopes to see a country with equal access to opportunities and education one day.”- says Matthew
Stepping in to help change the life of this star student, Crew for a Cause has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to cover Nikhil’s first year of high school at Bergvliet High, a school he has always dreamed of.
“We know that he will always try his best and make a success of every opportunity he receives. He’s looking forward to taking part in new experiences and opportunities at his high school in 2022. If Nikhil were to receive a scholarship, we envision him sharing his cheerfulness, laughter, and optimism with all he encounters in high school.” – says Matthew
Since the launch of the campaign, over R9000 has been raised towards Nikhil’s fundraising target of R45 000, which will cover his well-deserved scholarship.
“This scholarship will enable me to have many advantages that I may otherwise not have. I commit to working hard and giving my best at all times. Once again I would like to thank you for your generosity” – says Nikhil
Crew for a Cause began in January 2018 with the idea that small contributions from many can make a big difference.
“We pool the money of our monthly members to create bursaries for promising high school students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. To identify the students, we partner with education professionals who travel to a range of schools in underprivileged areas and test 12-year-olds in English, Maths, Natural Sciences, and grit. Grit is essential to ensure the students persist through the challenging times they may encounter during high school. We see this as a vital process in building a stronger society. In South Africa, education is a means of lifting people out of poverty and providing a way out of desperate situations.” – Says Matthew
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 R300 Million.
South Africa’s Good Things Guy, Brent Lindeque, from Johannesburg, has undergone a massive transformation in aid of Cancervive, shearing 40 centimetres of his trademark curly locks for a sleeker, shorter look.
“Along with the hair donation for Cancervive, and because it’s my birthday month, I want to extend the kindness movement,” says Brent Lindeque.
“I’ve done that by launching a BackaBuddycampaign for this organisation because I’ve personally lost friends and family to this tragic disease, as have so many others.”
Lindeque lost his aunt to cancer last year. This tragic event planted a seed in him to do some good to help make a difference for people facing the same battles. A little while later, a client asked him if he would ever cut his hair off for charity.
And so the idea was born to cut his hair off – that he had grown for three years – and raise much-needed funds in the process. Cancervive describes itself as dynamic cancer awareness and education project.
Pictured above: Looking Good, Brent!
According to its website: ‘We are a survivor-driven cancer awareness and education project that communicates to audiences with means beyond words. Through performing arts, music, poetry, dance and storytelling, we can reach people of all backgrounds, regardless of language.
Because of this, the Cancervive project has been hailed as one of the world’s most dynamic cancer awareness campaigns.
“Raising cancer awareness is a year-round drive, but I think it’s especially prudent to launch this campaign now in January, which is typically a tough month for so many,” says Brent.
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.
