Shireen Hermans, a 29-year-old mother from Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, has an eye disease called keratoconus, a condition which causes extremely blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Life is exceptionally challenging for Shireen, who has less than 8% sight in only one eye and is considered legally blind.
Behind her beautiful smile, gentle nature, courageous and resilient spirit, Shireen feels isolated and depressed due to her condition, which has interrupted her life and made simple tasks very difficult.
Shireen yearns for the simple pleasures in life – like seeing her daughters’ faces and helping them with their homework.
“For Shireen, sight loss means she can’t walk her young daughters to school or safely catch a bus with them. She simply can’t see the pavement or read the signs at the bus stop. It’s not safe for her to venture out alone. Living with keratoconus is like life in permanent lockdown.” – says Amanda Seccombe, Founder of The Eyes2Eyes Foundation.
Giving Shireen her sight back
At this stage, Shireen’s corneas (her eye’s outermost lens) are irregular, with steep troughs and cones.
As glasses and ordinary contact lenses will not restore Shireen’s sight, the only way for her to achieve functional vision and avoid total blindness is to receive costly custom-fit scleral lenses.
In November 2021, Shireen was referred to The Eyes2Eyes Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing individuals the gift of sight, as corneal disease is vastly underfunded and under-resourced in public hospitals in South Africa.
Hoping to receive support from the public, the Eyes2Eyes Foundation, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising goal of R25 000, which will allow Shireen to receive specialised lenses that will be designed and manufactured for her in New Zealand.
Funds raised will also cover the cost of Shireen’s fitting process which will be done in Cape Town, her monthly optometrists appointments and training on how to use the life-saving lenses.
“Restoring my vision will mean I can recognize the faces of my family and friends – not just their voices. I will be able to read to my girls. I wouldn’t have to rely on my daughter to read me prices at the stores and guide me with things all the time. Having my sight restored means I can get back to work and help with our financial problems at home. I will get my confidence and independence back and stop living a blurred depressed life, where I have to pretend everything is good” – says Shireen
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 R330 Million.
Jenny Tshuma (29) from Soweto, Johannesburg, who works as a Bolt driver has become a victim of a brazen drive-by shooting which occurred in Rosettenville, Joburg South on 30 April 2022.
Caught in the crossfire, the husband and father of 2 young children was shot in the back. The stray bullet, which exited through his stomach, has now rendered him paralysed.
Currently, Jenny is in the ICU at Baragwanath Hospital, recovering from serious injuries. While he is finally off the feeding tubes and is recovering well, he is still struggling to stand on his own, and doctors are unsure if he will walk again.
“Our lives have changed in such a short space of time. It is truly painful to think that Jenny might not be able to walk again and will have difficulty finding work to support our children, Kwazinkosi (7) and Samuel (3) who are so little”– says Jenny’s wife Victoria.
Upon hearing the news of the tragic incident, non-profit organization, The Angel Network, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to support Jenny during this devastating time.
Jenny, who was head of his household and the sole breadwinner of his family, now has no means of earning an income to cover the cost of a carer, his mounting medical bills and the extensive physical and emotional therapy he will require.
Since the launch of the campaign, more than R8000 has been donated to Jenny and his family, who are reeling in the wake of this trauma, through many kind donations on the platform.
All donors who contribute to Jenny’s campaign are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Angel Network.
Bill Wedderburn (90), a philanthropist and COVID-19 survivor from South Coast, Durban, completed his 900km by 90 years charity drive on 29 April 2022 in support of families of healthcare workers affected by the pandemic.
Completing his final kilometre to the rousing sounds of Chariots of Fire, Bill was cheered on by fellow Renishaw Hills residents.
“We are so proud of Bill’s incredible achievement that has touched the lives of so many people, far and wide, since he started in June last year,” said Phil Barker of Renishaw Property Developments.
“He is the true embodiment of the community spirit and nature of giving that is found within Renishaw Hills. We are so proud. He is a real inspiration, not only to Renshaw Hills residents, but people of all ages regarding purpose, goals, dedication and compassion for those in need. I hope Bill becomes a shining example of the good that can be achieved by each and every one of us. We all have our part to play.”
Bill got the idea for this charity initiative during his time at Netcare Kingsway Private Hospital in January 2021 while recovering from a Covid-19 infection. Living with chronic kidney disease and being a prostate cancer survivor, Bill was considered high risk. However, the dedicated medical fraternity did everything they could to ensure his recovery during his two-week hospitalisation.
In fact, it was during his stay that Bill learned of the death of 36-year-old nurse, Hlengiwe Mbeje, an employee of Netcare Kingsway Hospital who’d died of Covid-19 shortly before he was admitted. Mbeje is one of many healthcare workers who have died as a result of contracting Covid-19 while caring for patients. This tragedy, coupled with the incredible support he’d received, prompted Bill to do something in return.
Working with a dedicated team that includes a practising surgeon, attorney, IT specialist and former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers, Bill has established the Covid Healthcare Workers’ Family Fund to raise funds for the relatives of those who’ve died fighting the virus.
COVID-19: Bill is committed to support families of healthcare workers (Image: Sandile Ndlovu)
For the fundraising initiative launched on BackaBuddy, Bill committed to walking 900km before his 90th birthday on 9 June 2022, clocking 100 kilometres for every decade of his life.
For every kilometre missed, Bill said he’d pay R10 into the fund – and he’s encouraging other like-minded sponsors to support this cause. In support, Renishaw Property Developments, the developers of Renishaw Hills, contributed R10 for every kilometre Bill walked.
Since the launch of the campaign, Bill has raised over R22 500 through kind contributions from 27 donors.
Speaking at the event, Bill reminded everyone about the reason behind this walk:
“The funds will go to the families of healthcare workers who passed away from Covid-19, as many of those families have been left destitute with their breadwinner gone. The walk also aided me in recovering from my illness, and I really encourage everyone to get out there and exercise! I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed, and to the Renishaw Hills community for your greetings and encouraging comments on my daily walks through the village. Those really kept me going. Although I’ve reached my goal six weeks early, I think I’ll continue going and try to reach 1 000km by my birthday!”
Lerato Monyatsi (41) from Krugersdrop, Gauteng, is the founder of SkirtGirlHiker Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to restore dignity to Ostomy and Cancer Patients by conquering mountains and hiking with purpose.
In 2020 while many lives had been shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lerato was diagnosed with stage 3 Colorectal Cancer. This meant receiving immediate medical attention and undergoing multiple surgeries as well as chemotherapy and radiation.
Through this journey, Lerato also became a permanent Ostomate after losing her colon to cancer and faced exorbitant medical costs. Still to this day, she requires costly medical supplies and ongoing treatment.
Lerato’s serious health battle made her realise the harsh reality that many South Africans lack access to basic medical care, and thus she created The Skirtgirlhiker Foundation.
“After I confronted this stage3 Colorectal Cancer Mountain and survived it, I felt the urgent need to create awareness about this type of Cancer and what being an Ostomate means…Being an avid multi-day hiker I felt my ostomy gave me another chance at living life to the fullest while making an impact on the lives of those less fortunate.” – says Lerato
New heights
With a mandate to close the care gap and raise funds for the medical attention, supplies and mental wellness of Colorectal Cancer patients and stoma patients, Lerato aims to summit the rooftop of Africa, Mount. Kilimanjaro at 5895m.
Lerato, who is an avid explorer and adventurer, will begin her charity climb on 2 June 2022 and aims to reach her peak, in triumph, in 8 days.
“I have been so anxious to share the news because this journey feels so surreal and the purpose is bigger than me. Nothing carries more potential for change than individual acts of human kindness.” – says Lerato
Through a crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy, Lerato hopes to raise R20 000 or more for her foundation. Since the launch of the campaign 8 donors have made kind contributions to the value of R2400.
“Join hands with us as we make an impact in the lives of South Africans’ stoma and cancer patients. You can make a difference now. Now more than ever, your support means everything. Thousands of people like you help us stand up and move mountains to restore the dignity of South Africans, one community, one cancer patient and one Ostomate at a time.” – says Lerato
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 R329 Million.
Divine Mahara Chitubura (28), a full-time Afro-folk musician from Greyton, Western Cape, is on a mission to transform his family farm, in honour of his father, Edmond (58), who recently passed away after a two year battle with Melanoma cancer.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Divine has returned home to fulfil his father’s dying wish of transforming their homestead into a self-sustaining, safe and thriving environment to benefit his siblings’ Prayer (25), Tendai (22), Rutendo (15) and Shalom as well as his wider local community.
“My dad first acquired our farm in 2010, and in the last 12 years, it has been home to many people— passers-by in need of shelter and many children my parents took in when we were all children.”
“Both my late mom and dad worked harder than I’ve known anyone to work, right here on this farm. In its prime, it had hectares of crops and many animals including cattle, goats, chicken and pigs.” – says Divine
Divine says that with the passing of his mom 9 year ago, and his dad’s poor health, the family and consequently the farm went into a depression— bringing the farm to where it is now.
“Our farm has no water supply, no functioning plumbing system, and is missing many more necessities. There is also virtually no internet connectivity in the area, making things even more challenging.” – says Divine
Funding a father’s legacy
To help realise his father’s dream, Divine launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy with a fundraising target of R375 000, appealing for community support in the form of donations.
To Divine’s delight, his ‘water and wifi’ campaign has raised over R66 000, with generous contributions from 26 donors, including one of his heroes, Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter, Jason Mraz, who wrote a warm message of support:
“Your mission is noble and inspiring. I wish you luck and wellness on this journey. I hope I might come to visit you on this farm someday.” – Jason Mraz
“Jason Mraz’s song inspires me through this journey.. he sings ‘Look for the good in everything and that is what I am doing. As one of my greater role models, having him donate to this cause is incredibly encouraging. It motivates me to do more just as he is (he too has a farm!)” – says Divine
With funds raised, Divine says, the farm will not only be able to create work opportunities for locals, but it will also become a supplier of healthy, organic produce to the local towns and villages, and ultimately provide reliable internet connectivity for the entire community.
“My hope is that all that my parents worked for, will not be in vain and that we will continue to grow the seeds and multiply. We will collectively take it forward in the way I know they wanted to themselves. I am in awe of the impact BackaBuddy and all the wonderful donations are making in our lives.” – says Divine
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 R329 Million.
Elias Dlamini a plumber from Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal tragically lost his wife, son, home and everything he owned, in the violent floods that affected the coast on the early morning of 12 April 2022.
While Elias was able to rescuetwo of his sons from the debris, the aftermath of a devastating landslide, and they are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries, he was unable to find his 11-year-old son and wife in time.
Uplifting Elias
To help Elias in his time of need, the company he works for, AllPlumb Projects Pty Ltd, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of R200 000, hoping the public would open their hearts to help him get back on his feet.
“This man has done nothing but good, he works hard, is of sober habits, he is a man of very few words but shines through his smile. This is an absolute tragedy that should never happen to such a wonderful person.” says his employer and friend, Justin Allison from AllPlumb Projects Pty Ltd.
With overwhelming support from 77 donors, more than R170 000 were kindly donated to Elias, who is still coming to terms with the life-changing tragedy he has experienced.
He hopes to rebuild his humble home and care for his surviving sons with continued support.
“Please help this good man who has been through hell. Every little bit counts. Any remaining funds will be used for groceries and school fees for his surviving children,” says Justin.
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 R323 Million.
