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.
Bonita Orson (42) a stay-at-home mother from Stellenbosch, Western Cape, was diagnosed with Myeloma, an incurable but treatable blood cancer, in September 2021.
Knowing that Bonita has two small children between the ages of 2 and 9 years old, as well as a mentally disabled child who is 26, a clinical haematologist at Netcare Kuilsriver, introduced Bonita to a social worker named Kirstie Van Blerk (31), who became attached to the family.
“From the minute I walked into Bonita’s hospital room, I felt an aura of calm. There was no anxiety. There was little fear. She exuded a stillness, a sense of calm, of acceptance. From the minute I met Bonita, she had faith. She handed her fate over to her God and quietly awaited what he had planned for her.” -says Kirstie
After 3 failed attempts at getting her cancer into remission, including a stem cell transplant, Bonita has maintained her strength and dignified confidence, during her almost year-long battle.
Bonita Orson needs a miracle cancer drug to save her life.
“Her haematologists were very optimistic about her prognosis as she is young and can withstand intense treatments. Unfortunately, even with these intense treatments and putting her physical health through the wringer, there has been no success in getting her cancer into remission.” -says Kirstie
A dose of hope
Although Bonita’s cancer is not curable, and all other treatment options have been exhausted, her medical team believes a new drug can add years to her life.
“Without intervention at this point, Bonita will not survive the remainder of the year. There is a light, though, a new and novel drug called Darzalex. This drug has excellent success rates in controlling Myeloma.” – -says Kirstie
“Unfortunately, Bonita is on the lowest medical plan with LA health ( A division of Discovery Health), and this expensive drug is only available to members on the top-tier plan, which her husband can’t reasonably afford with his council salary.” – says Kirstie
After a string of sleepless nights, Kirstie knew she had to do something to help Bonita, and has since launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to raise enough funds to upgrade Bonita’s medical aid plan, and cover her fees for the next 6 months.
Bonita’s doctors say that they will be able to determine if the new drug is having the desired effect within a month, which will buy them time to find a more sustainable solution, should the treatment be successful.
Since the launch of the campaign, more than R11 000 has been contributed by 7 generous donors, towards Bonita’s fundraising target of R39 000.
“I wouldn’t usually ask for financial help with patients, but I am genuinely losing sleep at the thoughts of these three vulnerable children losing their mama. Bonita told me once that her strength comes from looking into the eyes of her children. They need her, so she has to stay strong for them. She is an incredible example, and I hope many will still have the opportunity to learn from her.” – says Kirstie
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.
Gina Hinchliffe (55) an animal lover from Glenwood, Durban will be embarking on her 27th Comrades Marathon on 28 August 2022, dedicating her mammoth milestone to an incredible cause.
Passionate about Brighter Future Sanctuary Project, a non-profit organization that advocates for animals, Gina, a dog mom of two, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to raise R15 000 to sterilise at least 18 animals in rural areas.
“My passion and love for animals is what inspired me to take on this journey. If I am going to run, which I can, then why not run with a purpose. Sterilisation is important as it prevents unnecessary breeding and reduces the number of cats and dogs that land up unwanted and as strays.” – says Gina
Gina Hinchliffe is ready to take on her 27th Comrades for a worthy cause.
Since the launch of her campaign, Gina has raised over R11 000 with kind contributions from 16 donors.
“I would like to encourage the public to adopt, not shop. There are so many ways you can show your love for animals, take a fur baby home with you, support my cause and help me make a difference!” -says Gina
Since taking on her first Comrades in 1989, Gina has won 14 Bronze, 9 Vic Clapham, 3 Bill Rowans medals.
“What I love about the Comrades is the anticipation, the training and preparation, pounding the pavements with my daughter, husband and friends. With our busy lives, I treasure these moments.” – says Gina
“The day of the marathon is even more exhilarating. The spectators and supporters mean so much to us runners. I can’t wait to take on this leg of the Comrades and knowing I’m doing it for ‘man’s best friend’ is very fitting” – says Gina
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 R344 Million.
Celebrating the anniversary of the remarkable women’s march of 1956, this year, on Women’s day- 9 August 2022, we are spotlighting women inspiring change as we move towards a more equal future.
In our article, we have selected women-focused causes that could use your support by making a different another’s life.
Here’s a list of crowdfunding campaigns you can support
Charities to support
Gina Runs the Comrades for Brighter Future
In order to support Brighter Future Sanctuary Project, animal lover, Gina Hinchliffewith who has 6 ‘furbabies’ of her own, is embarking on the mammoth 89km marathon. With support from the donor community, Gina hopes to raise R15 000, which will support Brighter Future in sterilising dogs and cats in rural areas.
Charity to offer sewing classes to empower local women in Kouga
The Sakhe Family Care Development Centre is a non-profit organisation based in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, that aims to uplift families in the Kouga area through training courses for wives, husbands and children alike.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R10 000 has been raised with kind contributions from 18 donors. Funds raised will allow them to provide advanced sewing classes and training on industrial sewing machines, the organisation hopes to empower women to create school uniforms, overalls and other products for local businesses. Read more.
Adventure mom (41) to conquer Mount. Kilimanjaro in aid of Ostomy and Cancer Patients
Lerato Monyatsi (41) from Krugersdrop, Gauteng, ithe 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.
Through crowdfunding, Lerato hopes to raise R20 000 for her foundation that provides medical attention, supplies and mental wellness for Colorectal Cancer patients and stoma patients. Read more.
Joanita Smit (46), a counsellor from Boksburg, Gauteng, is on a mission to dismantle the stigma around sexual abuse, advocating for mental health, with her counselling practice under the Sm;tten Love Foundation.
By donating you will be helping Joanita to cover the R16 000 shortfall needed to begin her studies so she may use her talents to help others.
Cleopatra Leoschut, a single mom and cancer warrior who is scheduled for a second operation to repair tissue that has been damaged due to radiation therapy, is in need of funds to help cover her much-needed theatre and anaesthetist expenses. With your donation, Cleo can fight cancer without having to worry but mounting medical bills.
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 R260 Million.
Joanita Smit (46), a counsellor from Boksburg, Gauteng, is on a mission to dismantle the stigma around sexual abuse, advocating for mental health, with her counselling practice under the Sm;tten Love Foundation.
Joanita’s story
At the age of 16, while attending a friend’s birthday party in Fleurdal, Bloemfontein Joanita was gang raped by a group of 4 teenage boys from a neighbouring school, when she went to change out of her swimsuit once the get-together had ended.
“For many years I could only remember snippets of that evening. I remember the door opening as soon as I took my bikini top off. I remember feeling embarrassed, thinking that the boys entered the room by mistake.”
“The realisation of what was about to happen became apparent when one of the boys put his hand over my mouth and told me to ‘keep quiet’. I can still smell the scent of his ‘Brut’ deodorant even today.”
“The ordeal lasted minutes but felt like hours. I tried to remove myself mentally from the situation, as I was physically overpowered. The boys took turns violating me without my consent, and left as if nothing had happened when the ‘fun’ was over”
Gathering her emotions and her composure, Joanita got dressed, washed her face, and pretended that nothing happened. She helped her friend clean up the bottles and balloons from the party, and then finally left to go home.
Afraid to ask for help, out of fear she wouldn’t be believed, and the judgement she would face, Joanita didn’t tell her parents or anyone about her sexual assault.
Unable and unwilling to tend to her psychological wounds, Joanita buried her trauma and suffered devastating consequences when her pain resurfaced later in life.
Struggling with mental health
The remnants of that fateful evening Joanita says, affected her self-image, and her trust in people and weighed heavily on her mental health.
“Since the age of 18, my journey with mental health started. I struggled with depression but in those years, it was a topic that was not spoken about. At the age of 24, I tried to take my own life by overdosing on depression medication. Luckily, I was found in time and lived to share my story with the world.”
“It took me a long time to realise that the things you do, say or feel are a result of extreme trauma. It took years for me to forgive myself as if I deserved what happened to me because of what I was wearing.”
Working with a psychiatrist at the age of 32, was a positive turning point for Joanita, who is successfully being treated for Bi-Polar Disorder 2, Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia, PTSD, OCD and High EQ today.
“Through therapy and medication, I got my life back and discovered how uneducated people are about mental health. I made a promise to myself to be an advocate for all the people suffering and all the victims by breaking this stigma.”
A new course
When Joanita closed the doors of her primary school after 15 years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, she decided to take a short counselling course to offer pro-bono mental health assistance to sexual abuse survivors online.
“I believe that the trauma I experienced planted the seed for my passion to help others, it’s the source of the compassion and empathy I have for the struggles of others. It’s the reason I advocate for those who have been abused and why after so many years I can tell my story.”
Realising the need for therapists in South Africa, Joanita has decided to broaden her studies and become an advanced therapist, to provide therapy for:
Gender-based violence
Mental Health Disorders
Phobias
Eating Disorders
Substance abuse
Bereavement
Youth issues
Needing to cover the R16 000 shortfall needed to begin her studies, Joanita has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support, so she may use her talents to help others.
Joanita would like to urge readers who have been sexually assaulted to seek help, and to break their silence, so others will know that they are not alone and that their perpetrators will not have the opportunity to hurt others.
SA Women Fight Back is a community of united women who network to bring about legislative change and support for all women and children in South Africa.
Through non-violent, collaborative engagement, the organisation lobbies to combat gender-based violence and hold government and other authorities accountable for the safety, empowerment, equality, and justice for all.
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 R344 Million.
