by Tessa Van Rensberg | Nov 7, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
Rian Steyn (58) from Mossel Bay, Western Cape, has always been known for his golden touch — a hairstylist whose artistry could make anyone feel beautiful inside and out. But in 2021, Rian’s life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer — a journey that would not only test his health and spirit but also ignite a powerful message of love, resilience, and Prostate Cancer Awareness this Movember.
What started as minor discomforts – hip pain and frequent trips to the bathroom – turned out to be symptoms of something far more serious. After receiving initial reassurance from a urologist that the cancer was “under control,” the couple was blindsided just two months later when tests revealed that Rian’s cancer had advanced to stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, an incurable form of the disease.
“You hear about the five stages of grief,” says Dewald. “But until you live through it, you don’t realize how hard it hits. You grieve the life you had – but then you keep going.”
“It Is What It Is” – A Battle of Body and Spirit
The road since that day has been paved with painful procedures, conflicting medical advice, and endless emotional tolls. A ureteral stent, which doctors later determined was unnecessary, caused Rian unbearable pain for nearly two years. In 2024, he underwent an orchidectomy to help manage his symptoms – a surgery that saved his life but deeply impacted his confidence and sense of self.
“It broke him,” Dewald admits. “Just like a woman feels after a mastectomy, Rian felt less of himself. People even addressed him as ‘Mrs.’ – not realizing the pain behind it.”
Despite these challenges, Rian continues to fight – not just against cancer, but against the stigma that keeps so many men from seeking help. With courage and honesty, he and Dewald have decided to share their journey publicly, to encourage other men to speak up, get checked, and value their health before it’s too late.
Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Health
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men, yet many avoid getting tested out of fear, pride, or stigma. For Dewald, this silence is deadly.
“Being male comes with pressure – to be strong, to never show weakness,” he explains. “Men need to let go of that ego. The few seconds it takes for a prostate exam can save your life.”
Their story is more than one of illness; it’s one of awareness and advocacy. Through their campaign and courage, Rian and Dewald are helping rewrite the narrative around men’s mental and physical health, one conversation at a time.
This Movember, as moustaches sprout in solidarity around the world, Dewald hopes their message reaches other families: “The struggle of living with prostate cancer is far worse than the short discomfort of getting checked.”
Fighting for Dignity – and Hope
Today, Rian has completed six rounds of chemotherapy, and though the treatment has taken a toll, he continues to wake up each day with quiet courage. His greatest wish? To feel “whole” again. Dewald has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, aptly named “Rian’s Fight Against Prostate Cancer”, to raise R55,000 for reconstructive surgery that would help restore Rian’s confidence and dignity.
So far, the campaign has raised R16,020 from 17 donors, but there’s still a way to go. For Dewald, this isn’t about vanity – it’s about giving his husband the will to live again.
“People tell us to just be grateful he’s alive,” Dewald says. “But quality of life matters too. This surgery would help Rian face the world again – and himself – with pride.”
Despite his own recent health scare – a stroke in September 2025 – Dewald remains Rian’s rock. Together, they choose love, laughter, and acceptance over despair. “It is what it is,” their doctor once told them. But through their resilience, Rian and Dewald are showing the world that “what it is” can still be beautiful, hopeful, and full of purpose.
A Message for Movember, #ProstateCancerAwarenessMovember
As Movember encourages men to grow moustaches in solidarity, Rian’s story reminds us that awareness is more than a symbol – it’s a call to action. It’s about the courage to speak, to get tested, to support one another, and to live with gratitude and grace.
“Life is precious,” says Dewald. “Don’t take a single moment for granted. You only have one life – take care of it.”
To support Rian, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rians-fight-against-prostate-cancer
Your contribution – or even just sharing their story – can help restore dignity, raise awareness, and save lives.
Launch your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy
Inspired by Rian’s story this Prostate Cancer Awareness Movember? You too can create a life-changing impact for yourself or someone you love. Whether it’s for medical care, education, community upliftment, or a dream worth fighting for, BackaBuddy helps South Africans unite for good causes.
Join thousands who’ve raised over R630 million for needs that matter most.
👉 Launch your campaign today
by Simbulele Jezile | Sep 19, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
Pretoria, South Africa (19 September 2025) – When 19-year-old Arthur Mathebula from Pretoria West, Gauteng, launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 15 September to attend his Matric Dance, he asked for just R2,500 to cover his ticket, outfit, and a few expenses. What followed became a story of generosity that captured the hearts of thousands of South Africans.
Now, Arthur has shared his first update — and the impact goes far beyond the dance floor.
From R0 to R19,000 in Days
Arthur’s campaign began quietly, with few donations at first. But everything changed when x-user Paballo Maseko came across his appeal and decided to share it with her followers. Her post encouraged South Africans to step in, and within hours, Arthur’s modest goal was met and exceeded.
Donations poured in, ranging from R20 and R50 to larger contributions of R500 and R1,000. By 19 September, 162 donors had given more than R19,000, ensuring Arthur could attend his Matric Dance, while giving him so much more.
Supporters left heartfelt words alongside their donations, including:
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“I don’t have much but I hope this helps. All the best boyza.
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“Enjoy the dance. Try to save some money for future endeavours. Remember, the world is full of kind people.”
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“For iMcFlurry after matric dance.”
Arthur’s First Update
In his first campaign update, Arthur expressed his deep gratitude:
“I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support I’ve received through BackaBuddy. When I started this campaign, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but thanks to the kindness of so many generous people, I was able to raise over R10,000. This has given me the boost I needed to pay my school fees and continue my studies at Hoërskool Pretoria-Wes.”
Beyond his school fees, Arthur says the support also made it possible for him to attend his Matric Dance alongside his classmates.
“Being able to celebrate this moment with my classmates is something I never imagined would happen, and it’s all thanks to you.”
More Than Just a Dance
For Arthur, the campaign has brought more than financial relief — it has given him renewed hope for the future.
“Before this, I often felt stuck and unsure if I would ever make it, but your generosity has reminded me that I am not alone,” he shared. “Each donation, no matter the size, has changed my life in ways words can hardly express. I will carry this kindness with me and hopefully pay it forward one day.”
His story is a reminder of how powerful we are when we stand together. A single share inspired hundreds of people to rally behind Arthur and united they made a tangible difference in his life.
If you’d like to further support Arthur, his BackaBuddy campaign is still open to donation:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/matric-dance-support~2
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by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jul 30, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
A Long Road Back to His Feet
Carel’s latest challenge wasn’t just about physical fitness — it was about healing and giving thanks for the “second chance” he felt he’d received. In 2024, a devastating firestorm in Jamestown left him with a broken back and pelvis, forcing him to face the terrifying possibility of permanent immobility. For months, he had to learn how to walk again. Even walking 100 meters with crutches felt like a small victory.
During this time, the support from their community carried them through.
Marié recalls, “We were blown away… My children came home every day with a Woolies bag full of food. People took time to come visit, to speak with Carel. It reminded us how important it is not to live in your own bubble,” she said.
But slowly, day by day, strength returned.
“That’s when I realized — I think I’m getting stronger and better now… it felt so good just to be able to move again and have that freedom again,” Carel shared. With his mobility restored, he set his sights on something few have ever completed — the Extreme Triathlon.
Only around 15 people have ever achieved it. It involves three grueling events: running the Comrades Marathon, cycling the 2130km Freedom Challenge, and rowing the 240km Berg River Canoe Marathon — back-to-back. Carel had attempted it before in 2023, but this time was different.
“I realized that I have the ability and the mobility… I’ll be doing it out of gratefulness and just, you know, being in that position where you would be deprived of things — just to realise again how grateful you should be for the blessings you have,” Carel shared.
Carel, running the Comrades Marathon
The Meeting That Changed Everything
While Carel was taking on the Extreme Triathlon, Marié and Carel started thinking about how they could give back, inspired by his renewed ability to move and live fully. It was during the Freedom Challenge — that the Bothas reached out to find someone who needed help. Through a neighbour in Jamestown, they were introduced to Lizzie and her son, Requelmy, an 18-year-old who had been paralyzed since birth and had lived for years without a proper wheelchair.
Carel and family, after completing The Freedom Challenge
Moved by his story, Carel decided to dedicate the remainder of Carel’s epic journey to raising funds for a custom wheelchair for him.
Carel, having recently regained his own mobility, felt an immediate and deep connection to Requelmy’s struggle.
“It brought tears to his eyes… it was so sad for him that an 18-year-old guy is stuck in the situation where he has to wait years for a wheelchair,” Marié said. “He knows how it feels to not be able to move freely the way you want to… it was a perfect match.”
Powered by Gratitude, Fueled by Community
The couple launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 24 June 2025 with the goal of raising R18,000 to buy Requelmy a custom wheelchair. In the weeks that followed, 35 donors — a mix of family, friends, and generous strangers — helped them exceed their goal, raising R22,250.
The journey to that victory was not easy.
“My arms really started paining… I thought, I’m not gonna make it. I won’t be able to use my arms any further… it was a tough, dark time,” Carel remembers from the Berg River Canoe Marathon. “I had a little prayer when things were really hard… and moments after that, it seemed like things just became easier.”
Carel, after finishing the Berg River Canoe Marathon
Paying It Forward
Requelmy’s wheelchair has now been ordered — a life-changing gift, made possible by Carel’s endurance and the generosity of the community. But the Bothas aren’t stopping there. With an extra R3,000 still available, they’ve reopened the campaign to find their next mobility buddy who needs a wheelchair.
“We know it’s not us. We’re overwhelmed with the feedback… it’s just amazing what happened. It’s quite awesome,” Marié said.
They’ve already reconnected with their community to identify their next mobility buddy. Their hope? That this ripple of kindness continues — one wheelchair at a time.
“To everybody that donated — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You enabled this change for the Mobility Buddy. It’s just phenomenal.”
Carel’s story reminds us that even the most difficult moments can be turned into purpose. Through sheer grit, heartfelt gratitude, and the power of community, he turned his own trial into someone else’s triumph — and he’s just getting started.
Please consider sharing this story — because every share, every donation, and every kind word helps move someone closer to freedom, independence, and hope.
by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 25, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
A few days before her 7th birthday, Carley Rose Meyer from Benoni, Gauteng, went from being a happy, energetic little girl with what her mom thought was a common virus, to being rushed to ICU with dangerously high blood sugar levels.
On 2 July 2025, Carley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Overnight, her world—and her family’s—changed.
Where there were once carefree days, there are now insulin injections, sugar checks, strict routines, and the weight of medical decisions far beyond a child’s years. But Carley faces each day with a resilience that has touched the hearts of many.
“Even when I wake her at midnight for insulin, she tells me, ‘Mommy, I’m okay,’” says her mom, Elisabeth Meyer. “She’s the bravest person I know.”
A Bond Like No Other
At home, Carley shares a deep and intuitive bond with her older brother Riley (9), who is autistic. While the world can feel overwhelming for Riley, Carley is his constant—his comfort.
“They have a love that doesn’t need words,” says Elisabeth. “When Carley was in hospital, Riley cried every day. She’s his person.”
As a single mom, Elisabeth is the steady force navigating both children’s unique needs. “It’s a lot,” she admits. “But they’re my everything.”
A Small Machine, A Big Difference
In her search for ways to ease their daily challenges, Elisabeth discovered the Aquazone Ozone H₂O Machine—a natural therapy believed to help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support neurological balance. She launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping to raise R25,000.
To her surprise, the goal was reached in just two days.
“I thought the website was broken,” Elisabeth recalls. “Then my phone rang. My mom and sister were crying. We had done it. For the first time that week, I could breathe.”
More than R31,200 has now been raised by just seven donors—including one anonymous champion who gave the campaign its final push.
“To that person: you changed our lives,” says Elisabeth.
Finding Strength in Small Moments
Thanks to the generous support, Carley now uses the Aquazone therapy daily. While not a cure, the treatment offers a glimmer of relief—and hope. The family also believes it may help regulate Riley’s sensory and emotional responses.
“I just want them both to feel like kids again,” says Elisabeth. “To have more days filled with joy than pain.”
When asked why she wanted the machine, Carley simply said:
“Because it will help me feel better.”
For her mother, that was all she needed to hear.
On her seventh birthday, Carley was allowed one special treat—her first sweet bite since her diagnosis. “She savoured every bite of her cupcake,” says Elisabeth. “It was just a cupcake—but to us, it was everything.”
Riley sat beside her the whole time, smiling quietly.
Continuing the Journey
Although the original goal has been reached, the campaign remains open to help cover therapy for Riley, special dietary needs, and ongoing medical expenses for both children.
“With more support,” says Elisabeth, “we can give them what they need to thrive.”
This story has reminded many that compassion often comes from strangers—and that hope can arrive in the smallest of gestures.
In Carley’s words:
“Thank you for helping us. I want to be strong and happy again. I love my brother, and I want him to be okay too.”
And from Riley:
“Thank you for loving my sister. I love her too.”
Help Carley and Riley Continue to Thrive
Your kindness can make all the difference. Visit their BackaBuddy campaign to contribute or share their story:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/carleys-courage-a-story-of-hope-healing
by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 21, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
Cape Dachshund Rescue (CDR), a devoted team of five wonderful women working across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Garden Route, and Free State, recently raised more than R43,000 in a heartfelt Mandela Day campaign to help their most overlooked rescues—senior dachshunds who’ve lost their families, their homes, and often, their health.
With 92 senior dogs currently in foster care and monthly veterinary expenses exceeding R40,000, this Mandela Day campaign asked South Africans to contribute R67 or more to support dogs who are often deemed “too old to matter.” The response was moving.
“We asked the public to contribute toward our vet bills, which exceed R40,000 a month, and the response was overwhelming,” said a spokesperson from Cape Dachshund Rescue. “Thanks to this campaign, we’ll be able to continue providing essential treatments, surgeries, and comfort to some of the most vulnerable dogs in our care.”
When You’ve Lost Everything, Love Still Finds a Way
Cape Dachshund Rescue, founded in 2014, is entirely foster-based. Each dog is placed in a home environment, not a kennel, where they receive more than just food and medicine—they receive love, stability, and a second chance.
In 2017, CDR launched the Frosty Face Foster Programme, an initiative pairing senior dogs—aged 10 and older—with elderly people between the ages of 60 and 80. Adoption fees are waived, and CDR covers all veterinary expenses for the lifetime of the dog. “It’s companionship without the fear of financial strain,” the team explains. “It’s love without condition.”
These foster stories are deeply personal. One that continues to touch hearts is that of Billy and Aunty Bea.
Billy was nearly euthanized at a local vet before CDR stepped in. He and his sister were rescued, rehabilitated, and eventually Billy was placed with Aunty Bea, an elderly woman living alone.
“He became her world,” the team shares. “She would knit blankets to raise funds for the rescue. Billy followed her everywhere. He was always at her side.”
When Aunty Bea passed, Billy seemed to let go too. He was diagnosed with cancer not long after and was gently put to rest.
“It’s as if he knew she needed him until the very end,” the team reflects. “He waited for her. Then he let go.”
Every Dog Has a Name. Every Life Has Meaning.
The CDR team manages everything—transport, vet appointments, adoptions, and fundraising—while working full-time jobs. None of them receive a salary.
“Everything we do is for the dogs,” they say.
But the pressure is constant. Vet bills continue to climb. Many dogs need urgent procedures—tumour removals, dental surgeries, chronic medication, and special food.
“We do what we can,” the team says, “but some dogs are still waiting for treatments we can’t afford yet. That’s what keeps us up at night.”
Since the Frosty Face Foster Programme began, 191 senior dogs have found loving homes—191 second chances, 191 quiet victories. The joy is found in the small things: paws padding across wooden floors, tails wagging, naps on sunny porches, and the silent comfort of presence.
“We get messages all the time,” the team says. “‘He just climbed into my lap and fell asleep.’ ‘She hasn’t stopped wagging her tail.’ It’s the kind of love that doesn’t need words.”
What Mandela Day Was Always Meant to Be
This month’s R43,000 raised will cover one month of vet care—a month of relief, stability, and rest for the dogs who’ve survived abandonment, illness, and heartbreak.
The funds were raised through Cape Dachshund Rescue’s heartfelt BackaBuddy campaign, which received support from 81 compassionate donors across the country. Their generosity is not just a number—it’s warm meals, critical surgeries, pain relief, and the comfort of knowing these senior dogs are not forgotten.
“We cannot express how grateful we are that our supporters stepped up to the plate like they did in celebration of this Mandela Day. As Mr Mandela said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” And at Cape Dachshund Rescue we choose to interpret that as the difference we have all made in the lives of the more than 3000 dogs we have rehomed and the same number or more of humans who have gained a furry friend in the almost 11 years of our existence. We appreciate your generosity and constant support more than we can ever say. Your support makes our work worthwhile. Thank you,” the team says.
Donations for Cape Dachshund Rescue and the Frosty Face Foster Programme are still welcomed on their BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/save-a-frosty-face-for-mandela-day-2025
by Community | May 28, 2025 | Campaign, Featured, Impact
In the heart of Franschhoek, surrounded by vineyards and dreams, a wedding and events coordinator, Eldorét Visser (38), was living what seemed to be a fairy-tale life. Newly married and mother to a beautiful baby girl named Olivia (19 months), she was juggling the demands of motherhood and a thriving career at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, until life took an unimaginable turn.
In August 2024, just weeks before Olivia’s first birthday, Eldorét discovered a lump in her left breast. “I thought it was a clogged milk duct from breastfeeding,” she shared. But her father, Joe Breytenbach (79), an orthopaedic surgeon, urged her to get it checked. What followed was a whirlwind of tests, biopsies, and devastating news.
Pictured above: Eldorét Visser with her husband, Jaandri, and their beautiful baby girl, Olivia
“On 16 September 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I remember sitting in the doctor’s chair, clutching my husband Jaandri’s (30) hand, unable to stop the tears. It felt so unfair.”
While raising a toddler and planning weddings for other families, Eldorét quietly endured months of aggressive chemotherapy, first one session every three weeks for four months, followed by weekly sessions for 12 weeks. “Each session came with nausea, exhaustion, mouth sores, and an immune system that couldn’t keep up. But there’s no chance to rest with an 18-month-old at your feet.”
As if fate hadn’t dealt a heavy enough blow, her father was diagnosed with colon cancer midway through her treatment. Genetic testing, an R8,000 cost not covered by medical aid, confirmed a high likelihood of recurrence. The news prompted Eldorét to make a gut-wrenching but lifesaving decision: a double mastectomy with advanced reconstructive surgery.
The surgery, a 9 to 12-hour oncoplastic procedure, was performed on 5 May 2025. “I was incredibly anxious leading up to it. They removed the tumour, drained lymph nodes, harvested fat cells from my abdomen, and reconstructed my breasts. I spent three days in ICU battling nausea, low blood pressure, and fainting spells. But I pulled through.”
Pictured above: Eldorét with her mum, Madi Breytenbach
She was discharged on day six. Movement remained restricted, and she could no longer lift Olivia or drive. Her parents stayed to help with school runs and house chores. On 21 May, doctors confirmed: “All the wounds are healing. There’s no evidence of cancer. I’m well on the road to recovery.”
Eldorét’s physical transformation was only part of the battle. “Cancer is as much in your head as it is in your body. I started antidepressants and leaned on loved ones. Losing my hair was one of the hardest parts, it felt like losing part of my identity. I wore a wig to work because no bride wants to see a sick wedding coordinator.”
Through it all, she remained anchored by her faith, her husband, and her daughter. “I waited 38 years for a baby, and Olivia is our greatest joy. Spending time with her kept me focused.”
Still, the cost of survival was staggering, over R500,000. Her upgraded medical aid covered just 15%. In desperation, a friend named Chantelle White (40) encouraged her to launch a campaign on BackaBuddy. “I was too proud to ask for help. But Chantelle said, ‘You’ll be supported.’ And she was right. I wept with every notification. The funds enabled me to pay my surgeon and go for surgery. I was blown away.”
Pictured above: Eldorét holding baby Olivia wears her wig with quiet strength after bravely losing her hair.
With the help of 86 incredible donors, Eldorét’s campaign raised over R79,000, exceeding her R70,000 goal.
To those who contributed, Eldorét says:
“Thank you seems like such an insignificant word to express my gratitude, you have changed my life and given me more time with my daughter. For that, I cannot thank you enough.”
Looking ahead, Eldorét hopes to use her experience to raise awareness around breast health. “God carried me through this. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I want my story to bring hope to others who are still fighting.”
Thanks to the generosity of strangers, the support of her family, and her own unyielding courage, Eldorét has defied the odds, and is now cancer-free, embracing a future she once feared she wouldn’t see.
“I believe I’m destined to be the best Mom, wife, and woman I can be, and now, I finally have the chance to be her.”
View her campaign here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/eldorts-back-a-boobie
