On April 21st, 2024, Myles Harris, a 38-year-old freelance graphic designer from Durban Kwa-Zulu Natal, received the life-altering diagnosis of bladder cancer. This devastating news profoundly impacted his family, especially considering Myles’ existing chronic epilepsy, which he has had since he was 12-years-old, prevents him from working or living independently. Without private medical aid, the financial burden has been overwhelming.
Pictured above: Myles Harris
The journey began on April 16th, when Myles started experiencing severe stomach pains, along with frequent urination that included blood and blood clots. Concerned for his well-being, Myles visited a general practitioner, who urgently recommended seeing a specialist. The specialist’s immediate concern led to Myles being admitted to Gateway Busamed Hospital for a cystotomy, a surgical incision into the urinary bladder, due to the severity of his condition.
“When I was told the news at first it never really sunk in that I had cancer, it’s a very heavy word and there was a bit of disbelief that this was happening. I was surprised, but I wasn’t freaked out about it.” says Myles
Pictured above: Myles with his family, mum Janene, dad Shaun, sisters Dale, Amy, and Kate, and brother-in-law Duncan at Kate and Duncan’s wedding in 2014
During the procedure, the surgeon discovered a massive tumour, managing to remove 90% of it. However, this was just the beginning of Myles’ medical journey.
To date, all medical expenses, including hospital admissions, procedures, medications, and tests, have been covered by Myles’ mother, Janene Askew (62). Initially, she utilised her savings, but those have since been depleted. She has now reached the limits of her credit cards and exhausted all bank loan options. The total costs have amounted to R102,600.
Pictured above: Myles and his mum Janene on his 38th birthday, a day before his procedure
“It came as a complete shock, words can’t describe the rush of emotions that came with the news, and following that was the worry of how we are going to get through this, as it was then stated that we had no time to waste for the next procedure so going to a government hospital wasn’t an option, but financially was our only option.” says Myles sister, Dale.
Myles needed another procedure on May 21st, 2024, to attempt to remove the remaining 10% of the tumour. If the cancer had spread into the muscle, he would have required an additional, more invasive procedure to remove his bladder. This step was crucial to prevent the cancer from spreading to his lymph nodes and other organs. The specialist emphasised the urgency, stating that waiting the 6-9 months typically required by government hospitals was not an option; the procedure had to occur within the next four weeks.
It is anticipated that the total cost for the procedure will rise to approximately R350,000. If further treatments are necessary, the financial demands will undoubtedly increase, and the family is unsure of what the future holds.
The Harris family is taking things day by day, remaining hopeful that this procedure will be the last Myles needs. They humbly reach out for help through the BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign that the family has launched where they have already raised over R56 000 of their R350 000 goal with the help of 44 amazing donors. No contribution is too small. Whether supporters can share the BackaBuddy link on their social media or make a small donation, every bit of support is invaluable.
Pictured above: Myles and his sister Dale at the hospital the day before his diagnosis
“Myles lives with my mom and does not have a steady income, all costs of living are supported by her. When all of this started loans and personal funds had to be used, but these options have been exhausted. So this money is to help my mom look after Myles, so that she can pay all the bills, and pay back the loans taken to get us through the past 6 weeks, of which are still coming in, as Myles does not have medical aid due to not having a steady source of income, again stemming from his epilepsy. We still have procedures and tests coming up, who knows what we are in for, but we are staying as positive as we can.” says Dale
“I want to thank you all so much for your donations, not just financial, but also the love, support and prayers throughout all of this. It has been so heart-warming knowing that so many people out there care and are willing to go out of their way to help me and my family. Family, friends, acquaintances and people I didn’t even know from around the world who had just gone out of their way to help. I also am grateful to all the people who had their churches praying for me, it is truly amazing.” says Myles
Myles’s last procedure went well. The doctor seemed confident that he removed the last of the tumour, and the biopsy results came back that the cancer had not spread into the bladder muscle. Myles needs to go for another in-hospital procedure on the 21st of August to check that the cancer has not grown back.
“I was obviously extremely happy that the surgery had been a success, I know that doctors and technologies are advanced and I was so grateful for that, as well as all the prayers that came through, this kept me positive.” explains Myles.
The Harris family is at a stage where they have to withdraw any funds they can to try and pay as much as they can for this past procedure, but they still have the next one coming up in August. Again, they have been advised that this cannot be done at a government hospital where the wait could be up to 6 months, whereas the surgeon said it must be in 3 months.
Alwyn Uys, a 33-year-old wheelchair athlete from Stellenbosch, is not just a testament to overcoming adversity but also an inspiration to many. Once an avid rugby player for Maties University and the Sharks Academy, Alwyn’s life took a dramatic turn on December 13, 2014. A momentary lapse while driving led to a severe car accident, leaving him paraplegic and having to rely on a wheelchair.
Pictured above: Alwyn spending time with his dog, Dex
Reflecting on the incident, Alwyn shares, “It was a huge change and impact on my life. Everything I used to love to do was now inaccessible to me. I had to change my thinking and how I do life, or I wouldn’t have made it out alive.”
Despite the challenges, Alwyn’s spirit remained unbroken. He redirected his passion for sports into becoming a formidable para-triathlete, engaging in triathlons, Ironman events, and other extreme endurance challenges. His remarkable achievements include being the first paraplegic in the world to successfully swim the Robben Island crossing. He is also the first South African paraplegic to complete a full-distance Ironman, earning him titles as a SA para-triathlete and para-cycling gold medalist.
Pictured above: Alwyn completing his first Full distance Ironman
Alwyn’s pursuit of freedom and adventure led him to discover the life-changing potential of an off-road wheelchair during a visit to the USA. “I first experienced this in the USA where they are more freely available to loan at beaches and parks. And it was a game-changer! The freedom I experienced was incredible. Now I was able to do the things I love again! I could move around freely. Go to the beach, go walk with my dogs, like I gained a piece of my life back,” Alwyn explains.
Pictured above: Alwyn testing an off-road wheelchair (Action track) in America for the first time
Motivated to continue his active lifestyle, Alwyn launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for his own off-road wheelchair. The total cost for the chair and a trailer for transportation is around R300,000, with manufacturing in Pretoria and about R5,000 needed to courier it to Cape Town. To date, his campaign has successfully raised over R165 000 with the generous support of 82 donors.
Alwyn Uys Ministries, his own registered NPC and PBO, issues 18A certificates for tax purposes, ensuring donors can also benefit from their contributions. When asked about the impact of this support, Alwyn states,“Despite the setbacks and hardships I’ve had to face and endure, life is still good, and God is still good to me! I realized through this all the importance of doing what you love in this life and the value of appreciation of what you have and the small things in life. Like being able to walk on the beach with your dogs.”
Pictured above: Alwyn training for Ironman
The acquisition of the off-road wheelchair represents more than just enhanced mobility for Alwyn; it symbolizes a reclaiming of his independence and a return to the joys of his pre-accident life. “It’s regaining a piece back of the life I used to live and being able to enjoy the things I once used to do freely,” he passionately adds.
On June 9, 2024, nineteen committed athletes will converge on the starting line of the 97th Comrades Marathon, the world-renowned 90-kilometer ultramarathon stretching from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
This year, these runners are not only challenging their physical and mental limits but are also rallying to support Rainbows and Smiles, 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.
Denise, Tammy, and Bonni Run for Rainbows
Bonni Suckling (50) from North Riding, Johannesburg, the founder of Rainbows and Smiles, is leading a passionate team in the Comrades Marathon for the seventh time. In 2008, the devastating diagnosis of her four-year-old son, Jed, with terminal brain cancer turned her world upside down. Despite enduring three major brain operations, 35 radiation treatments, and experimental chemotherapy, Jed tragically passed away in his mother’s arms three years later. The profound grief led Bonni to a pivotal moment in an ICU ward following a personal crisis. It was there that she decided to transform her anguish into a force for good, founding Rainbows and Smiles to provide essential support to families facing similar battles.
Pictured above: Friends Bonni Suckling, Tammy Gray, and Denise Towell
Joining Bonni are Denise Towell (64) from Durban, the KZN Regional Manager for Rainbows and Smiles, gearing up for her 21st Comrades Marathon, and Tammy Gray (50) from Durban North, preparing for her second race. Both women are deeply committed to the cause, sharing a common mission to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer. Their personal goals for the race underline their unwavering dedication and passion, reinforcing the collective impact of their efforts.
René Memmel (40), from Johannesburg, an employee at his family-owned business in Wynberg, Sandton, is on his incredible journey of running his 2nd Comrades. This run is more than just kilometers on the road for René; it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children with cancer. He has chosen to dedicate this endeavor to Rainbows and Smiles, an organization that holds a special place in his heart. René’s goal is to raise R8591, symbolizing his commitment to the cause.
Adrienne Melnick (49), from Roodepoort, Johannesburg, is preparing for her first Comrades Marathon. Growing up watching the event with her parents, Adrienne was inspired to join despite her training partner Richard having to withdraw due to an injury. Her involvement with Rainbows and Smiles has deepened her commitment to helping children with cancer.
Rianette Vd Linde (39), an ICU nurse from the Free State, was profoundly impacted by the fragility of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her personal journey is deeply rooted in her family’s experience; her sister Hannelie was just 15 years old when she died of brain cancer. Now, Rianette runs in her sister’s memory, and her conversation with Bonni revealed a remarkable connection: Hannelie and Bonni’s son Jed shared the same diagnosis. This divine calling fills Rianette’s heart with love and purpose.
Together, the nineteen runners have already raised over R100,000 towards their collective goal of R109,591 with the help of 207 incredible donors. The funds raised are crucial for Rainbows and Smiles to continue providing essential services such as nutritious food parcels, therapeutic craft activities, financial assistance for medical and funeral expenses, and celebratory bell-ringing ceremonies to mark the end of treatment.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is brimming with pride as its Senior and Junior Protea rhythmic gymnastics teams secured a spectacular second place at the 18th African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. This remarkable achievement has ignited a wave of rhythmic gymnastics fever across the province, celebrating the dedication and artistry of these young athletes.
Triumph in Kigali
The Senior Protea and Junior Protea teams, both hailing from KZN, captivated audiences and judges alike with their stunning performances. The senior team, consisting of gymnasts aged 16 and above, competed at the elite level, securing second place in both the hoop and ball/ribbon routines and earning a silver overall medal. The junior team, showcasing the talents of gymnasts aged 14-15, also dazzled by placing second in both hoop and club routines and winning the silver overall medal in their category.
Meet the Teams
Senior Team Members:
Babalwa Mkhize
Bericia Le Roux
Crystal Viljoen
Emily Impson
Nina Gaspar
Junior Team Members:
Almone Bosch
Amy Rose George
Abigail Smulders
Buhle Ngcobo
Naluthando Mbelu
Thandolwethu Mthiyane
Coaches Kayleigh Slaughter, Tayla Henry, and Robyn Mueller expressed immense pride in their gymnasts’ achievements. “As coaches, we are extremely proud of our gymnasts’ achievements at the 18th African Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. The junior group placed second in both hoop and club routines and won the silver overall medal in the junior category. The senior group also placed second in both the hoop and ball/ribbon routines and won the silver overall medal in the senior group category. These achievements are due to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. We look forward to seeing what the future holds.” they told East Coast Radio
Eyes on the Future
But the journey doesn’t stop here for these talented athletes. With their sights set on even bigger goals, including international competitions, national championships, and ultimately the World Championships next year, the teams are gearing up for an exciting year ahead.
How You Can Support
The path to success in rhythmic gymnastics is paved with dedication, specialised equipment, rigorous training, and the ability to travel for competitions. To help these athletes chase their dreams, the senior and junior Protea teams have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R10 000 of their R310 000 goal with the help of 4 amazing donors.
Contributions will directly support the teams by securing top-notch training facilities and coaches, essential for refining their skills. Additionally, funds will go towards purchasing and maintaining equipment and covering travel costs for national and international competitions.
As the homeless advocacy organization Souper Troopers marks its 10th anniversary on June 7, 2024, founder Kerry Hoffman, her dedicated team, and many of the individuals they have supported are preparing for a special 10km walk through the heart of Cape Town. This walk, starting and ending at The Humanity Hub—their operational base in Woodstock—will trace their steps through significant areas of Woodstock and the Cape Town CBD, where Souper Troopers has made a notable impact over the past decade.
This event isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a stride toward sustainability. With over 14,000 individuals living on the streets of Cape Town, the need for such transformative efforts remains high. “This 10km walk celebrates our journey and the transformations we’ve witnessed, but it also serves a critical fundraising purpose,” explains Hoffman. A crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy to support this anniversary event has already raised nearly R50,000 from 29 donors, pushing toward a target of R200,000.
The funds raised are vital for continuing the comprehensive support services offered at The Humanity Hub, where individuals receive not just the essentials—like food, clothing, and toiletries—but also access to counseling, skills training, medical referrals, and much more. “Every rand donated is a step towards ensuring that more people can receive the help they need to turn their lives around,” says Hoffman.
Odette Oliver, who spent many years on the streets of Cape Town, shares her life-changing experience with Souper Troopers. “Souper Troopers helped me to see my self-worth and supported my journey to sobriety and independence. I am so proud that I can pay my bills and be a responsible mother to my child. What sets Souper Troopers apart is that we treat everyone with love, respect, and understanding, which gives each of us the confidence to tackle any challenges that come our way,” says Odette.
Pictured above: Odette Oliver
The inspiration for Souper Troopers came from Hoffman’s personal life changes and her desire to redirect her compassion from personal relationships to communal care, starting with simple acts of kindness like distributing soup and sandwiches. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” a quote from Nelson Mandela, echoes as a mantra for the organization, reminding them of the impact even the smallest gestures can have.
Pictured above: Souper Troopers
As they look back on a decade of service, Souper Troopers not only celebrates their achievements but also calls on the community for continued support. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, whether by participating in the walk and seeking sponsorships or by donating directly to their BackaBuddy campaign. Each donation will be matched by an anonymous benefactor, effectively doubling the potential impact.
To support Souper Troopers’ commemorative walk, visit their campaign page at:
In a world where many take education for granted, two exceptional athletes from George, are taking extraordinary steps to ensure that others can access the same opportunities they were fortunate enough to receive. Sebastian Prentice and Jason Hofmeyr, driven by their belief in the transformative power of education, are setting out on a gruelling 100-mile (163 km) race through the Outeniqua Mountains on Friday, May 24. Their mission? To raise funds and awareness for Usapho Indlu, a George-based non-profit dedicated to uplifting the local community.
The Challenge
Sebastian and Jason’s race is part of the Mountain Ultra-Trail (MUT) of the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB) festival, a series of trail races that test the limits of human endurance. Covering varied and challenging terrain, this race is not just a physical test but a testament to the athletes’ commitment to their cause. Their goal is ambitious: to raise R350 000 to establish a learning centre for local students and to purchase a vehicle to facilitate transportation to and from the centre.
The Cause
Education in South Africa faces significant challenges. It is estimated that less than 40% of South Africans complete high school. This statistic reflects a larger issue of educational inequity, which Sebastian and Jason are passionate about addressing. Their chosen beneficiary, Usapho Indlu, under the leadership of CEO Sally Versfeld, works tirelessly to empower families in the George area. Their programs focus on unlocking potential and fostering a sense of identity among community members.
“Each household is surveyed and through the survey they inform Usapho Indlu of their individual needs. Support is tailored to map out a pathway that is sustainable, healthy, and realistic for all members of the family. Extreme challenges facing these families include lack of transport for children, poor nutrition, no support system with homework as well as abuse in schools.” Versfeld told the George Herald
Versfeld highlights that one of the most common requests from families involved in their outreach is for better educational opportunities for their children. Many parents, themselves uneducated and unemployed, see education as the key to a brighter future. The funds raised by Sebastian and Jason will help Usapho Indlu meet these needs more effectively, particularly by reducing the heavy costs currently spent on transportation like Ubers and hired vehicles.
“This will be the focus of our fundraiser. Our aim is to better equip the Education Centre, where 42 children from 27 households attend. In addition, the transport situation in the community is unsafe, expensive and out of the reach of the learners.” says Sebastian and Jason.
A Call to Action
The public’s support is crucial to achieving this goal. Donations are being collected through Sebastian and Jason’s BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign. So far, the campaign has raised just over R46 000. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings the community closer to realising the dream of a dedicated learning centre and reliable transportation for students.
How You Can Help
Sebastian and Jason’s journey is not just a race; it is a powerful statement of solidarity and hope. By donating to their campaign on BackaBuddy under “100 Miles for Education,” you can join them in making a tangible difference in the lives of young learners in George.
Pictured above: Myles Harris
Pictured above: Myles with his family, mum Janene, dad Shaun, sisters Dale, Amy, and Kate, and brother-in-law Duncan at Kate and Duncan’s wedding in 2014
Pictured above: Myles and his mum Janene on his 38th birthday, a day before his procedure
Pictured above: Myles and his sister Dale at the hospital the day before his diagnosis
