Two young siblings, Sadie and Jesse Krause, are battling one of the world’s rarest immune disorders, DOCK8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome. With the only curative treatment available overseas at an overwhelming cost, their family is urgently fundraising to give them a chance at a healthy future.
In just one year, siblings Shaz and Sabz Gumede from KZN have faced two rare, life-threatening medical diagnoses. Their family has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to cover urgent treatment costs and keep their household stable as they fight for recovery.
Jenna-Lee’s journey through fertility struggles, a life-threatening pregnancy, and the premature birth of her twins reveals a story of courage, heartbreak, and hope. As Selena settles at home and Leona continues her NICU fight, the family leans on community support this World Prematurity Day.
When hairstylist Rian Steyn from Mossel Bay was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, his life — and outlook — changed forever. Together with his husband Dewald, Rian is breaking the silence around men’s health and raising awareness this Movember through his BackaBuddy campaign. Their story reminds us that survival is only half the battle — dignity, love, and mental health matter too. 💜
At 88, Fred Benning proves that love and determination conquer obstacles. Profoundly deaf and a cochlear implant user, he started a BackaBuddy campaign to support his wife Denise after she became paraplegic. Their story shows what’s possible when hope turns into action.
When her friend Dave Spurgeon was diagnosed with throat cancer, Nickey Seger and partner Grant Clack launched the Hope Powers Dave campaign—running 21.6 km every day for 30 days to raise R500,000 for urgent chemo and radiation. Join the community backing Dave’s fight.
On 17 September, Hout Bay therapist and wilderness guide Penelope van Maasdyk begins a up-to-1,000km Camino linking the del Norte, Primitivo and Via de la Plata. Her “Walking for Mental Health” mission offers free walk-and-talk coaching and craniosacral support to pilgrims, funded by a modest R55,000 crowdfund. A QR code on her pack lets anyone book time to walk beside her, breathe, and begin again.
After a decade living with a severe chin keloid, Petros Malepe from Ga-Manoke, Burgersfort finally has hope. With Dr Ephraim Kgoete and Khayalami Health Foundation, a BackaBuddy campaign seeks R70,000 for surgery, radiotherapy and care. Your donation can help Petros reclaim his confidence and livelihood.
During Women’s Month, Cape Town rallies around nursery teacher Zanele Princess Mrasi (45), recently diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. “Miles for Ms Mrasi” turns the Gun Run into transport, healing meals, and care for her son—fueling a hopeful return to the happy classroom she built.
Anastacia Marais (22) from Meyerton is battling acute myeloid leukemia and urgently needs a bone marrow transplant in Pretoria. Launched on 22 July by her boyfriend’s father, the BackaBuddy drive raised R35,750 from 44 donors in 10 days toward an R800,000 goal. DKMS will cover half; all funds go straight to the hospital. Donate and share to help Ana get her transplant.