Impact Archives - Page 13 of 13

Over R1.24 Million crowdfunded for Aaron (3), the boy who can’t eat.

by Zane Groenewald | Feb 9, 2019 | Impact

Aaron Lipschitz (3) from Cape Town, is the first South African to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare incurable disease that affects his immune system,. Of the few known cases worldwide, Aaron is the only child who is unable to consume food.

Play therapist and mum Taryn, describes an easy pregnancy and an uncomplicated birth of her son Aaron, but at only two weeks old, Taryn and husband Steven noticed that Aaron was responding negatively to his feeds and he was rushed to the hospital.

It took a number of hospital visits and countless tests to determine that Aaron was not only among the 0.1% of babies who born are allergic to breast milk protein, but that any food item, formula or liquid, excluding water caused severe pain and discomfort for Aaron.

“It’s still so difficult to process. We are an average couple without any significant medical history so to have such a unique child as been really surprising to us” – says Aaron’s parents.

For the first two years of his life, Aaron had to take a pancreatic enzyme pill called Creon in order to digest an expensive formula called Neocate, which he had to take every 2 to 3 hours. His body couldn’t tolerate anything else.

By October 2017, doctors could see that the formula was no longer providing Aaron with enough nutrition to accommodate his growth and he was fitted with central lines and catheters to begin Total Parenteral Nutrition which commonly used for coma patients.

“A port runs through Aaron’s heart and every evening he is fed intravenously, avoiding his digestive system.” – says Taryn.

At 3 years old, Aaron is no stranger to the hospital. He’s been exposed to blood tests, drips, ultrasounds, hundreds of hospital visits, MRIs, consultations with immunologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, paediatricians, allergists, haematologists, oncologists, dieticians and occupational therapists to name a few.

He spends many afternoons at Cape Town Mediclinic under the management of Paediatrician Dr Deon Smith and can recite all his medications without fail.

To allow his immune system to work more effectively, needles are inserted into legs to administer immunoglobulin. Without this treatment, Aaron is vulnerable to infections. At the age of one, Aaron almost died from septicemia for this reason. He has just survived another episode of Septacaemia this month.

“He knows the names of all his medications and although he hates the treatments, he accepts the pain and discomfort like a soldier going into battle.” – says Taryn.

Besides being in and out of hospital, Aaron sill attends school, birthday parties and goes grocery shopping with his mom. At this stage, he seems undeterred by food as it’s something he is unfamiliar with.

“Aaron understands that he can’t eat because food makes him sick. He doesn’t show much interest in food because he hasn’t experienced eating so doesn’t really know what he is missing out on. We don’t feel comfortable eating in front of him because we can’t share our food with him. We think he might be starting to notice that there might be something different about him, but thankfully he is still young enough that he is not self-conscious about his feeding port or NG tube. “ – says Taryn

The only hope of Aaron leading a healthy life will require multiple chemotherapy sessions and eventually a bone marrow transplant when a donor match is found. Specialists would essentially need to build Aaron a new immune system.

Aaron’s parents set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to support their little boy while he fights his condition.

The campaign went live on the 31 of January 2018 and has so far secured R1 245 350.57 towards his fundraising target of R1 500 000, with the contributions from over 675 donors. Single donations have ranged from R100, to R300 000 from national and international donors.

“We have been completely blown away by our BackaBuddy experience. For the first 3 years of Aaron’s life we tried to manage without community support, both emotional and financially. It was a big step for us to share Aaron’s story and ask for the help we need. Our BackaBuddy campaign has completely exceeded our expectations.” – says Taryn

It’s not difficult to see why the public has fallen in love with Aaron. He’s a charismatic boy who has a zest for life an adventure, but Aaron’s road to recovery will be a long one. Aaron’s condition has taken a turn for the worst as he is battling Septacaemia for the second time in his short life.

“Aaron developed extremely high temperatures on Monday, 12 March and was readmitted to hospital.Tests show a bacterial infection in his blood stream. The setbacks keep coming but Aaron keeps fighting!” – says Tarryn.

The public can support Aaron in two ways, by donating to his BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign or registering as a bone marrow/stem cell donor.

“We are urging people to go onto the Sunflower Website to register as a bone marrow/stem cell donor. The process is as simple as making a phone call, filling out a form and having 2 vials of blood taken.You could save Aaron or another person waiting for their miracle.” – says Taryn

You can register as a bone marrow/stem cell donor here:

Donate to Aaron’s BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign here:

SA Medical Doctor crowdfunds over R1 Million for new Chemo Drug.

by Zane Groenewald | Feb 1, 2019 | Impact

Paediatrician Registrar and mother of 2, Kerryn Neilson (32), from Midrand, Johannesburg has crowdfunded over 1 million rand towards a new chemotheraphy drug to save her life.

Kerryn & Sheldon with son, Ashton (4) and daughter Isabella (9)

Above: Kerryn (32), Sheldon (32) with children, Ashton (4) and Isabella (9)

Whilst in Germany visiting her sister in law, Kerryn discovered large, painless lymph nodes in the cervical, supraclavicular and infraclavicular areas (down the side of the neck and above and below her collarbone). As a medical practioner herself, Kerryn immedinately suspected she might have Cancer.

A lymph node biopsy on the 2 May 2017 on her return to South Africa, confirmed Kerryn’s suspusions and she was diagnosed with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL.) T-ALL is a fast-growing blood cancer which creates abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells formed in the bone marrow)

“Abnormal lymphocytes don’t fight infections very well, and as a result your body keeps on producing more and more of them as its need for them is never satisfied. This results in these abnormal cells crowding the bone marrow, preventing it from making the normal cells that your body needs and making one susceptible to infections The bone marrow is also responsible for creating your red blood cells and platelets, and as a result of this over-crowding those are also not formed. This leads to anaemia and random bleeding” – Says Kerryn

Crying in her physician’s office, Kerryn descibes feeling utter disbelief.

“I was sobbing the whole way through and strangers kept coming up to me to give me hugs and tell me that everything was going to be OK but I couldn’t speak to them because I was still so shocked with the news. I felt fear, like my whole life was being cut short and that I was too young to have this diagnosis; fear that my kids would grow up without me and eventually forget me and how much I loved them. This still terrifies me the most” – says Kerryn

At the age of 5, Kerryn dreamed about being a doctor and has dedicated her life to her profession. She admits to often missing the morning school run or that quality bedtime-story time with her two children Isabella (9) and Ashton (4) as a result of a demanding doctors schedule. Having been diagnosed with cancer, Kerryn has had time to reflect on the unpredictable nature of life.

“I was suddenly faced with the reality that I do not have unlimited time to spend with my family and this has made me reassess my priorities. I’ve had to adjust long term life goals to short term life goals and I had to accept that all the good things that I’d been putting off doing may never happen if I don’t do them now. It has forced me to consider everything about my life and to confront just how much I have to lose.” – says Kerryn.

Husband, Sheldon Neilson (32), has been Kerryn’s pillar of strength through her ordeal. The Childhood sweethearts recently celebrated their 5 wedding annivarsity after being together for nearly 12 years.

Kerryn with husband Sheldon Neilson.

“I have known Kerryn since I was 12 years old. We grew up in the same street. She has always been beautiful. Wide-eyed, confident, smart, bubbly, adventurous… she’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember.”- says Sheldon.

With Kerryn, fighting cancer, Sheldon has taken on even more responsibility in the household to ensure Kerryn has the strength to beat her condition.

“My singular focus has been on doing everything possible to support Kerryn through this, whatever that may mean. From admin, bills, medical aid queries, to doing the cooking and cleaning up. In the most part just being available for her and whatever her needs may be in the moment. It makes me feel powerless knowing that however hard I try there is ultimately only so much that I can control but there is no length that I wouldn’t go to to beat this.” – says Sheldon.

Kerryn has spent the greater part of the last few months in hospital, often in isolation, unable to see her children Isabella and Ashton. When she’s home, Kerryn often has no immunity and is very prone to infections. Her children have had to learn to always wear face masks around her and wash their hands before touching her so that she doesn’t get sick.

“Ashton doesn’t really understand what is happening except that I am sick. He misses me a lot when I am away and sometimes I can see that he is anxious as he often asks when I am going back. Isabella has much better understanding of what is wrong with me. She is scared but is coping well despite the circumstances.” – says Kerryn.

To treat her agressive form of cancer, Kerryn’s haematologist suggested that a chemotherapy drug, Nelarabine, was the best option moving forward. Nelarabine is specific for refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and while it has been approved in America and Europe is not readily availible in South Africa.

“There is no guarantee that this drug will get me into remission, but my doctors feel like it is worth a shot and complete responses have been achieved with this medication in other patients around the world. Right now, there is nothing else that can be offered to me in order to achieve remission and it really is my last hope. If it works, I will be able to have a bone marrow transplant from a donor in the United States who has already been matched for me and this is the only thing that is potentially curative. “ – says Kerryn

Unable to afford the treatment , estimated to cost around R2.5 million rand, Sheldon set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to help save his wife.

Kerryn’s campaign went live on 16 January 2018, local and international donors responded generously, rasing over R1 million rand in a few short weeks, enough to order Kerryn’s first round of treatment. One donor, who would like to remain anonomous, contribited a single donation of R200 000 towards the BackaBuddy campaign.

“Initially it felt impossible. It is just such a massive amount. While crowdfunding on BackaBuddy we were also scrambling to come up with contingency plans, to take money out of the bond and our savings and retirement funds etc. Even while the donations were coming in, it just felt like such a big number, yet slowly but surely the fund has continued to creep towards the target.” – says Kerryn

We are reminded of both the resilence and genorosity of the South African people in the face of fear and adversity. The manner in which the crowd responded in Kerryn’s time of need is truely inspiring.Kerryn’s campaign is BackaBuddy’s first medical campaign to raise over one million rand for one individual.

A message from Kerryn to her donors:

“We would like to extend them our deepest thanks to everyone who supported our BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign! So many have given so much.. We have been humbled by the amount of support that we have received in such a short time. The response has been incredible and everyone’s generosity has been quite overwhelming.”

Donate to Kerryn’s Leukemia Fund here

Over R480 000+ crowdfunded for Mhlengi Gwala after handsaw ordeal in less than 24 hrs.

by Zane Groenewald | Feb 1, 2019 | Impact

Mhlengi Gwala (26), a star triathlete from Chesterville in KZN, was attacked by three men who attempted to cut one of his legs off using a handsaw in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Gwala, was cycling near the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College Campus) around 3.30am when he was stopped by three men and dragged into the bushes.

Mhlengi told his attackers to take his valuables, including his iPhone, Garmin and his bicycle, but the men were not interested in his personal items and proceeded to cut into his legs. Luckily, security guards came to Gwala’s rescue and he was taken to a private hospital.

Mhlengi’s story sparked outrage and the senseless act made local and international headlines. Hoping to raise funds for Mhleng’s medical treatment, JP Valverde from My Project Generator set up a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.

In a few short hours, the crowdfunding campaign, surpassed the R150 000 mark as South Africans opened their hearts and sent messages of support to the athlete who was then undergoing surgery. Donations ranging from R10 to R10 000 with the support of over 898 donors local and abroad contributed to an overwhelming total of R480 000.

The funds, managed by BackaBuddy, will go towards covering Mhlengi’s medical fees, transportation‚ bike replacement and rehabilitation costs, says JP.

“Through their generosity, South Africans have once again proven, that as a society we will stand up for those affected by senseless acts of violence. One anonymous donation on BackaBuddy said it best, ‘May the love you feel from strangers help you overcome the fear and fuel your recovery.’ ” – says BackaBuddy, CEO, Patrick Schofield.

Mhlengi’s friend and training partner, Sandile Shange said the operation had been a success after speaking to him last night.

“He is able to talk and is in a lot of pain understandably. He is a strong-minded person and he has been blown away by the support shown by fellow South Africans,” he said.

Inspiring messages are coming in strong in support of the star athlete.

“Let the tar burn with fury when you return!” – Anonymous

“I’m sorry that you went through this. Remember, there are more good South Africans out there than bad ones. Get well soon.” – A concerned South African Citzen

“I cheered you in on Sunday at the Durban Ultra Tri and now I cheer you on to a speedy recovery!” – Melanie Perfect

“What a horrendous crime. Keep strong champ and hope you get back on the bike soon.” – Colin Richardson.

“I am deeply saddened by what happened but I know that it is all in the plan for you to continue on your journey! Don’t let this stop you! Get back and show them that you will not be kept down!” – Katya De Magalhaes

“You never know how strong you are until you have no choice! You are a fighter and a survivor. Looking forward to seeing you back on your bike!!” – Rob and Lori Wesselo

“May the love you feel from strangers help you overcome the fear and fuel your recovery.” – Anonymous

Support Mhlengi’s campaign here

BackaBuddy has raised over R58.18 Million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.

Create your own campaign:

• Set up an individual campaign for someone in need.

• Register a charity on BackaBuddy.

• Set up a champion page to raise funds for a charity.

For more information contact:

Zane Groenewald – BackaBuddy Marketing & Public Relations Officer

[email protected] / 082 602 0735

Friends Refurbish Local School in honour of a Hero that sadly passed away.

by Zane Groenewald | Feb 1, 2019 | Impact

Ian Macdonald who dedicated the last 2 years of his life to students of Hillwood Primaryin Lavender Park sadly passed way in a head on collision on the 20th February 2018, the day after his 44th birthday.

The Noordhoek resident and father of 3, was actively involved with non-government organizations since 2002, supporting street children and sharing feel good South African stories in his role as the editor for popular site SA Good News.

Through his involvement with the Partners for Possibility Programme (PfP), an initiative that pairs successful businessmen and with school principals, Ian was instrumental in improving Hillwood Primary’s infrastructure and programs. To celebrate ‘The Year of The Teacher’ in 2017, he helped modernized the staff room and organized a staff development program. He introduced new extra mural activities such as boxing and surfing to the school and helped the reading NGO Shine establish a program.

“Ian was committed to having a positive and lasting impression on the students of Hillwood Primary. He loved feeling that he was contributing to society and using his network to help those in unfavorable circumstances. The program itself is only expected to last a year, but Ian had stayed on for almost 2 years and was committed going forward” – says friend Rob Broster.

Following the tragic news of Ian’s untimely passing, Rob set up a campaign on donations-based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to honour a friendship of over 25 years in special way.

“Ian didn’t just talk about what must be done. He just did it. When Ian passed, I found myself asking ‘What would Fella do?’ Besides his career he has always strongly argued for making a difference and for using privilege and network for positive change.” – says Rob

Rob’s determination to do something in Ian’s honour was shared among friends and family who felt the need to celebrate to Ian’s life by continuing his good works in his absence and with that “Fella’s Army” was formed, an informal taskforce of his friends that includes builders, architects, interior designers and project managers.

“There was a sense of introspection amongst many of us when Ian passed. He made the world a better place, and many of us felt that we needed to carry on his work – hence Rob’s hashtag #WhatWouldFellaDo. There was a groundswell of goodwill amongst friends and family, and so the concept of Fella’s Army evolved and at the moment Rob and I are just one of the few who are putting our energies towards Ian’s projects.” – says cousin, Suzie.

The campaign went live on the 15th of March 2018, aiming to raise R90 000 to refurbish the Grade 1 classrooms at Hillwood Primary to create an environment that promotes active learning. Within 24 hours the campaign raised an astounding R32 682.00 and in less than a month generated a total of R130 451.66 with contributions from over 62 donors.

“We started this campaign to help the educators at Hillwood by creating stimulating, colourful, well-resourced classrooms where learners want to be, and that enable learning in the best possible way. The project will include painting, fixing broken chairs and desks, repairing broken windows, reflooring. With additional funds we are hoping to improve the Grade 2 and 3 classrooms as well.” – says Rob

To donate to this project in honour of Ian Macdonald please click here

Everest Base Camp climb raises R1.8 million for SA children affected by fires.

by Zane Groenewald | Feb 1, 2019 | Impact

The fifteen members of the team representing the Avela Foundation are finally back in South Africa after a challenging yet extremely rewarding trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC).

The 9 day day trekking route began at an elevation of around 2,840 metres at Lukla, Nepal on the 2nd of May 2018 and ended in triumph at 5,364 metres, at the base of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain in the world on the 9th of May.

“All our hard work and preparation have paid off”, says Cami Palomo, founder of Avela Foundation that helps children with serious burn injuries on their emotional and physical road to recovery.

“The efforts by this group of determined people prior and during our trek resulted in Avela raising nearly R1.85million on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy. The funds generated by the campaign will be used to kick-start our U-Matter program and help refurbish the Kimberley Hospital’s burn unit”, says Palomo. (U-Matter is a psychological support network for burn survivors and their families.)

Writer Lanie van Reenen, one of the six Capetonians to join Avela to EBC, describes a remarkable, yet challenging climb:

“A few days in we reached the ‘above the trees’ part of the mountains. It is then when every member of our team had to confront our bodies’ reaction to altitude. It affects people in varying degrees and you are unprepared for the first onset – a vice-grip headache, nausea, sluggishness, sleeplessness and a lack of appetite.

We had to dig very deep to find that strength within ourselves in an effort to continue. Failure was not an option as were embarked on this journey not for ourselves, but for the thousands of South African children who are in such desperate need of burn care.”

She describes the welcoming tea houses where their weary bodies could rest every day, the sense of wonder with the first glimpse of the highest mountain in the world and the team’s joy and pride upon reaching their goal. “We were on top of the world!”

Van Reenen says completing the expedition was also a personal achievement for every single member of the group – ordinary people that decided to embark on an extra-ordinary adventure for a noble cause.

Among the hikers, the Head of the Avela Mentorship Programme, William Baartman, who at age of three years old, was a victim of gross Human Rights violation when his home was petrol bombed by local students. He sustained 75% burn wounds and lost his younger sister, Grace in the fire.

“When I met William Baartman in 2015, he was a timid, soft-spoken man that barely looked me in the eye when we spoke. William’s story is not of self-pity and hate; it is of triumph, courage and positivity and that touched my soul and didn’t let go. He has become a brother to me over these years and has blossomed into a leader and healer and is changing the lives of the children who are burn survivors every day. “ says Lindiwe Suttle, of the Avela Foundation.

“I was too afraid to leave the house because I was scared of what others might think and now I have climbed to Mount Everest base camp ! I hope to send a message to those hiding from the world, that there’s hope for them, hope they think doesn’t exist.”- says William

The triumphant team may be back in their comfortable homes after having to endure true hardship but that is not where it ends.

“We have raised the funds and have come together as a team; we have collected memories that will last a lifetime and we have formed solid friendships. That is however only the beginning,” says Palomo. “The hard work will now truly start.”

It is estimated that 3.2% of the South African population annually sustains serious burn injuries and an astonishing 68% percent of South African children younger than 14 have experienced scalding burns in their short lifetime.

“We provide hope to those kids who are in desperate need of physical as well as emotional care after having suffered life- threatening or debilitating burn injuries”, says Palomo.

The physical pain of a burn is horrific, but the worry, fear, and emotional pain it causes to survivors and their families can be just as difficult. Emotional support is crucial for recovery. By providing the right psychological support to burns survivors and their families, burn survivors will become an asset not a liability to our society. ” Says Palomo.

If you would still like to contribute to Avela’s campaign, you can do so here

The campaign has thus far raised a total of R 1 845 871.27.

Meet the Climbers

Cami Palomo (Founder of the Avela Foundation) from El Salvador who now lives in Cape Town.
Roger-Michael Raad (South African)
Lanie Van Reenen (South African)
Natasha Nicolakakis (South Africa)
Derrick Swartz (South Africa)
William Baartman (South Africa) burn survivor
Mosidi Modise (South Africa)
Teddy Mohlman (USA) Son of Cami Palomo
Katie Mohlman (USA) Daughter of Cami Palomo
Alexa Cajiga (Mexico)
Adriana Sol (USA)
Connie Sol (El Salvador)
Christine Schnarr Chiarello (USA)
Maria Lowe (USA)
Alex Stanford (USA)

BackaBuddy a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.
BackaBuddy has raised over R65.6 million various causes and charitable organizations in South Africa.
Take a look at our Website site here:
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Set up an individual campaign for someone in need:
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For additional information, contact [email protected] / 082 602 0735

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Zanele’s 648km Journey in aid of Suicide Prevention.

by Zane Groenewald | Jun 1, 2018 | Campaign, Impact

On the 18^th of January 2018, Zanele Hlatshwayo (33) from Orlando West, Soweto founded, non-profit initiative, Rise18, a movement aimed at creating a dialogue around mental illness and suicide prevention.

At only 24 years old, Zanele faced a world of unanswered questions, when her father, Phillip Hlatshwayo, took his own life at the age of 47. To cope with the weight of her grief and the unbearable loss she experienced in losing her ‘hero’, Zanele found comfort in running.

“At first, I was running away from my pain. I couldn’t understand why my father had to leave me. I was angry, broken and ashamed that the strongest man I’ve ever known took his own life. But eventually, running became a coping mechanism for me. Now it has become my sacred space where I get to heal, clear my head, but most of all where I get to conquer” – says Zanele

“I decided to rise and raise awareness about depression and suicide: silent killers that are scourging our beautiful country. I want to demystify mental illness and create a dialogue so that people no longer have to suffer in silence. If my BackaBuddy campaign saves one life, my purpose on this earth would have been fulfilled.” – says Zanele.

Zanele has thus far completed 15 races totaling 389km. Asked about the most challenging leg of her journey, Zanele made mention of the Kosmos 3 in 1 (73km), a race she completed despite sustaining a back injury.

“I was worried that I wasn’t going to finish the race, but with the support of the crowds of spectators running along side of me every step of the way I was able to pull through. I was once again reminded that as much as this is my personal journey, this is also about the hundreds of families like mine who have lost a loved one due to suicide.” – says Zanele

In a few days, Zanele will take on the 89 km Comrades marathon , A 10 km send off race on the 8th of July, and finally the mammoth Washie Miller, a distance of 160 km.

“This will be my third time running the Comrades and this year will be particularly special. It was the race that made me realize that anything is possible if you have an ounce of passion and that has given me the confidence to take on the Washie!” – says Zanele

With her last marathon, Zanele would have run a total of 648km, not including the vigorous amount of training it has taken to have come this far.

“This journey has been a physical and emotional rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It has been a healing experience in the way I didn’t expect. I found strength in my vulnerability and found a way to deal with my father’s tragedy through those who have shared their pain with me. I believe with Rise18, we have just scratched the surface, there is still so much that needs to be done”