Ubuko Mpotulo (10), from East London, was diagnosed with Meningococcal Septicaemia, at the age of 3 years old, Ubuko underwent a Bi-Lateral Amputation and finger amputation, when the lining of his blood vessels became damaged and obstructed his narrow arteries and eventually cut off his blood supply.

Despite coming from a disadvantaged background, Ubuko has been awarded a Bursary to attend Selborne Primary, after the Educators and Governing body saw his resilience and perseverance shine through his Disability.

Ubuko’s disposition has also captured the hearts of his medical team.

“I finally met Ubuko and those of you who have had the privilege to meet him will understand that he only has to look at you once and you are done, the mischievous smile and determination in his eyes caught my heartstrings.” – says prosthetics specialist, Marissa Nel, who has personally committed, jointly with Ossur, to cover Ubuko’s medical costs that are amount to about R148 000 a year.

Until Ubuko turns 18, his prosthetic sockets will need to be refitted and changed at least 14 to 16 times until he stops growing. Unfortunately this will still be long-term struggle for him.

According to Nel, because Ubuko is growing, his socket will likely need to be changed in the next 6 to 8 months, when he will require alignment adjustments, and replacement of some of his prosthetic parts.

Ubuko has also inspired a group of 7 Round Tablers from East London, who have decided to take on the 70.3 Ironman challenge on the 27 January 2019 to contribute towards Ubuko’s ongoing medical costs, through a campaign launched on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy.

“Ubuko’s character and perseverance to improve himself are unmatched. He isn’t simply adapting to his prosthetics, he has relished the opportunity to seize his moment and make it count. Not only has he taken each step in his progress with enthusiasm, he has flourished.” Says Round Tabler, Ryan Baisley (37).

For the past 6 months, the team met 3 to 4 times a week, starting at 4 am, to do triathlon specific training to prepare for the one of the toughest endurance events. The event, organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), consists of a 3.86 km swim, 180.25 km bicycle ride and 42.20 km marathon without breaks.

"Out of the 7 athletes competing, 4 are novices to the Triathlon world and many of us started off as being really unfit. On the days when our legs were in pain from 60km cycle sessions into blistering hot headwind, we would remind ourselves how Ubuko feels everyday and the discomfort he has lived with his whole life.” – says Baisley.

To wish the team luck, Ubuko will meet the whole team, many for the first time, at the Ironman Expo, where he will also have an opportunity to view the latest triathlon gear and equipment and experience the exhibition before the event takes place.

“We hope the public will continue to support our BackaBuddy campaign. We may not be able to change the entire world, but by trying to change Ubuko’s world, we might make a difference in his life that inspires him to pay it forward to the next person that deserves it.” – says Baisley

The BackaBuddy campaign went live on the 15 of January 2019 and has thus far raised R 13 166.78 with contributions from 24 donors towards the fundraising target of R50 000.

Support Ubuko by donating on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/steps4ubuko or on the www.backabuddy.co.za.

Funds raised will be managed by Round Table and used for Ubuko’s ongoing medical procedures.

Meet the Round Tablers: Jethro Penny (34) - Toby Nzuza (37) - Daryan Rowe (33) - Warren Bigara (28) - Ruan Jordaan (31) - Bazil Frewen (33) - Ryan Baisley (37)

About BackaBuddy:
- BackaBuddy is a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.
- BackaBuddy has raised over R90.4 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
- Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA

For more info, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - 082 602 0735

Mission (I’m) Possible is a compelling live theatre performance created and performed by Pollsmoor inmates under the auspice of the “Second Chance Theatre Project”, a collaborative arts and social justice initiative.

The project was introduced by NICRO and through a partnership with the Department of the Correctional Services and together with UCT Associate Professor Veronica Baxter from the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies (CTDPS) endeavour to challenge the public’s perception of criminals. The staging of the production is done in partnership with the Cape Town International Convention (CTICC) who came on board as a venue sponsor as part of their corporate social responsibility programme.

This intimate, theatre production provides a unique glimpse into the lives of prison inmates. Mission (I’m) Possible, which highlights the dreams and aspirations of inmates and demonstrates that each is more than the crime that he or she has committed.

“The performers are goal oriented and firm in their belief that they have a real future beyond the prison walls as they commit to returning to their communities as contributing individuals.” - says Venessa Padayachee, Advocacy and Lobbying Manager of NICRO.

The free event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday, 28 September and Saturday, 29 September, 2018, as part of a two-day event which will also feature an art exhibition showcasing art works by inmates and former offenders.

Mission (I’m) Possible follows on the success of The Making of a Criminal Part 1 and Part 2, which took to the stage amidst much acclaim in 2016 and 2017. The 2018 production, devised and directed by Veronica Baxter, Chiedza Chinhanu and the cast, once again uses theatre as a healing tool and a rehabilitation strategy to offer inmates a meaningful life after prison and to facilitate successful reintegration.

NICRO endeavours to challenge guests to see offenders as members of our society and to acknowledge that society has a vital role to play in the rehabilitation process.

NICRO CEO, Soraya Solomon, underscores the crucial role of both civil society and ordinary members of the community in breaking the cycle of crime and violence in South Africa. “We cannot reduce the high levels of crime and violence in our country without every citizen’s support to ensure that we find solutions to this daunting challenge. Supporting former offenders to turn around their lives, walk away from further crime and return to society as an asset rather than a threat, is a very workable and effective way of doing just this,” she points out.

Hoping to raise R15 000 to assist with the costs of the production, a campaign has been created on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy to appeal to the public to support the cause.

Funds raised by the BackaBuddy campaign will be used for the following:

Healthy meals and refreshments at rehearsal space and performance venue
Promotional film production and editing
Costumes for the performances
Some work material: personal journals / scrapbooks and some stationary for the creative process!

Support the campaign by donating to Nicro here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/mission-im-possible

Tickets to the performance can be booked through Quicket here:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/57945-mission-im-possible/

Visit the event Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/278275886122985/

Contactable References:
Natasha Meyer (Nicro) 021 462 0017 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Zane Groenewald (BackaBuddy)| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On the 27 June 2018, Boitumelo Ngidi (5) from the Mpophomeni Township, in Howick, Kwazulu Natal, was playing with her younger brother Quintin (2), when she accidentally fell backwards into a bath of boiling hot water.

Boitumelo was then pulled out of the water by her mum, Nonhlanhla (29) and immediately rushed to Hilton Life Hospital, the closest emergency hospital approximately 25 minutes away.

Upon arrival, Boitumelo was placed into ICU, after sustaining superficial burns on both her upper limbs and neck as well as ‘full thickness burns’ on her back and buttocks.

“Boitumelo presented with decreased range of motion in the neck, right and left shoulders, oedema in the left hand, poor pain management, inability to sit upright without back support, poor in-bed mobility and poor functional mobility.” – says Occupational Therapist, Nadia De Barros

After 2 weeks, Boitumelo was placed into the Paediatric Ward before being discharged on the 19th of July, as their medical aid could no longer cover the cost of ICU.

“The family has suffered a tremendous ordeal, with Nonhlanhla, carrying a burden of guilt for what has happened to her daughter and the lifelong scars she will have. She has so much love for her daughter and has taken unpaid leave to be at her daughter's side as often as she can. To make matters worse, the family car was involved in a car accident as a result of the stressful situation” – says Boitumelo’s beloved Teacher and Principal at Heritage House Preschool, Karen van Lelyveld

Unable to take public transport due to her fragile state and for risk of infection, the family rely on friends and family to take them to the hospital to change Tumi’s dressing every 2 days, which sometimes isn’t possible.

“Boitumelo has endured so much for such a young child and every time she starts making progress, she gets another infection and skin grafts need to be redone, which sets her back.” - says van Lelyveld

Hoping to raise funds to support Boitumelo’s ongoing medical costs, extensive occupational therapy as well has the psychological therapy her family will need, Boitumelo’s teacher, Karen, set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support to overcome the shortfalls of the family’s basic medical aid plan.

The campaign went live on the 17 August 2018 and has thus far raised R 2 604.35 towards the fundraising target of R100 000 with contributions from 7 donors.

Funds generated by this campaign will be directly managed by BackaBuddy NPC and paid directly to the relevant medical practitioners to ensure transparency with donors.

“With surgical intervention that is to follow, Boitumelo will require continued occupational therapy focusing on upper limb rehabilitation and functional rehabilitation until she is independent in the home and school environment. In order to achieve this, she will need to attend occupational therapy sessions 1-2 times a week, purchase pressure garments which cost about R16 000 each, skin therapy products, and possibly splints.” – says De Barros

“Last friday, Boitumelo came to school for an occupational therapy session and stayed for about 2 hours. She is still having difficulty walking and the exercises were noticeably painful for her.” says van Lelyveld

“It has been heart wrenching to see this bubbly little girl in such anguish, but she continues to put on a brave face for her friends who adore her. We hope the public will support our BackaBuddy campaign, so Tumi can get the treatment she needs and return to school full time” – adds van Lelyveld

Support this cause by Donating on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/helping-boitumelo-and-her-family-heal

About Backabuddy
BackaBuddy is a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.

BackaBuddy has raised over R73.5 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA/

For additional information please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On the 16 August 2018, Bianca Ackhurst (22) was transferred to the South Rand Rehabilitation Centre in The Hill, Johannesburg to continue her fight against Guillain-Barré Disease, an extremely rare autoimmune disorder that left her paralyzed at the beginning of July.

“Bianca’s condition is improving daily and she is at the point where she can sit with little to no assistance and can stand unassisted for about 3 seconds at a time. She remains positive despite dealing with this soul destroying illness ” – says Bianca’s father, Jeffrey Ackhurst

Bianca currently does about 3 hours of physical, speech and occupational therapy a day. While she is making progress, doctors suggest her recovery could take up to 6 months.

“When I took my first step with my walker, I reminded myself, that you have to keep fighting when you get knocked down. I am determined to get better and get my life back” – says Bianca Ackhurst

Bianca’s treatment has been made possible through generous contributions to her campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy. The campaign went live on the 6th of July, shortly after Bianca’s diagnosis and has thus far raised over R108 065.41 with contributions from 165 donors.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to Bianca’s BackaBuddy fund and for the kindness and compassion we received as a family. Your thoughts and prayers have been a pillar of strength for us during a very difficult time” Says Jeffrey

Bianca’s ongoing medical treatment is estimated to cost a further R200 000.
Support Bianca’s crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy by donating here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/bianca-treatment-guillain-barre

Watch a video of Bianca walking here:
https://youtu.be/adATfU5yiZ4

About BackaBuddy:
BackaBuddy is a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.
BackaBuddy has raised over R73.5 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA/

For more information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or call: +27 60 956 22 36 (parents of Bianca)

Cape Town, South Africa – The highly esteemed EFC athlete Sibusiso Mdoko was attacked in a vicious car-jacking attempt in the Cape Town suburb of Dunoon on Sunday, 02 September.

Mdoko was set upon by multiple assailants with knives and broken bottles. They attempted to steal his car and gain his bank account information. Mdoko lost consciousness during the attack.

Mdoko was transported to hospital where Constantia Insurance Group, official partner to the EFC organisation, have agreed to assist with Mdoko’s medical costs.

Although injured with multiple stab wounds, Mdoko is in a stable condition.

“We were shocked to hear the news,” said EFC president Cairo Howarth. “Sibusiso has competed with us for many years, he is a courageous athlete and role model to many. He had also just begun a new career as an electrician, a double blow to an already horrendous situation.”

Howarth went on to thank Constantia Insurance Group who have kindly assisted Mdoko with his medical costs, despite their partnership agreement being tied to in-competition injury only.

“As soon as we heard we contacted Constantia and explained the situation,” said Howarth. “Constantia didn’t hesitate, making funds available to assist Sibusiso.”

Mdoko has undergone several scans which have revealed no permanent internal damage, although a potentially severed tendon in his hand will receive further assessment and treatment tomorrow, 6 September.

“We are extremely glad to be able to assist such a remarkable man and athlete,” said Constantia Insurance Group CEO Volker von Widdern. “We wish him an excellent recovery, and are monitoring the situation.”

Mdoko recently qualified as an electrician, and is currently working in an intern capacity to gain experience. His injuries have stalled both those aspirations and his continuing career as an athlete.

Friends have created a BackABuddy campaign, where those that would like to assist can make a contribution toward helping Sibusiso as he recovers. To assist Mdoko with any amount, please donate here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/lets-back-mdoko

“This has been a very difficult time,” said Mdoko. “I appreciate everybody’s support and concern, and would like to thank Constantia Insurance for helping me to get the right medical care. I’m looking forward to getting back to fitness, and back to doing what I love.”

“We are in contact with Sibusiso, and can’t wait to see him back to full health,” said Howarth. “This is an awful situation, and once again Sibusiso has shown the courage and determination that make such a wonderful person and athlete.”

Further details on Mdoko’s condition will be released when they are available.

About EFC® – The Extreme Fighting Championship®:
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, EFC is a world leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. The Extreme Fighting Championship produces 10 live events annually at sold out arenas. With over 150 athletes exclusively contracted to the organisation, EFC showcases the greatest warriors on the planet.

EFC events are broadcast live in over 120 countries around the world on numerous television networks in multiple languages. EFC programming is available weekly in 600+ million TV households worldwide, making it one of the most recognisable MMA brands on the planet.

In 2015, Henly Kumwenda (30) and the Kingfisher-Sekanawo team from Malawi, set out to develop an arid piece of land near Lumemo into a camping site to empower the local community.

The community of Lumemo currently faces a number of challenges. Many students are forced to learn under trees due to the lack of infrastructure. Those who are fortunate to have a classroom face over crowdfunding and aren't afforded basic necessities such as desks and chairs.

“Many young girls are entering marriages as young as 13 and a lot of the young men work in tobacco farms as child laborers. With our volunteer programs we hope to address these key issues to allow these 460 students an opportunity to reach their full potential” – says Kumwenda

Henly adds that a lack of education also makes these students vulnerable to their environment.

“In the rainy season, a number of individuals are affected with cholera due to the lack of education around boiling water before consumption that poses a huge health risk.” – says Kumwenda

Hoping to develop the Kingfisher campsite in Thekelo, Henly set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to donors locally and abroad for support.

Funds raised will be used to build 2 bathrooms, 3 sleeping rooms and a communal kitchen area for volunteers and is estimated to cost approximately R250 000.

“My vision is that this piece of land will not only be a camping site, but a space where volunteers from all over the world can come to Malawi and invest time into developing and improving our vibrant local community through their efforts. We will also welcome holiday makers for a small fee, which will contribute to paying school fees of orphaned children in our village” says Kumwenda

The campaign went live on the 19 November 2015 and has thus far raised R 193 643.50 with contributions from over 103 donors.

It hass taken nearly 3 years to fund the project, which still needs approximately R60 000 to complete, but Henly hasn’t lost sight of his goal.

“I have a vision to help my people and show them what can be achieved when people work together and the many doors that can be opened through education. I reluctantly had to drop out of college because I couldn’t afford to study further and I wish I had been given an opportunity like this” says Kumwenda

In anticipation for the long awaited campsite, Henly, together with his 5 volunteers have developed a number of programs to teach art, maths, English and physical education.

“From the bottom of my heart, I am forever grateful for the generous donations to our BackaBuddy campaign and for the impact it has had on my community. We hope the public will continue supporting our project so that we can continue building our dream brick by brick and introduce the world to Malawian hospitality.” - says Kumwenda

Kumwenda currently manages a hostel in Muizenberg in the Western Cape.

The Kingfisher team is currently assisting 27 high school students and 1 university scholar with their education fees and has thus far provided over 2400 school students with stationery equipment.

The Kingfisher team have raised over R93 127 for their campsite building this year.

Continue supporting this campaign by donating here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/kingfisher-volunteer-campsite

Brackenhurst resident, Bianca Ackhurst (22) was admitted to Netcare Clinton Hospital Intensive Care Unit in Alberton after experiencing flu-like symptoms and “Tingling” in her fingers and toes on the 3rd of July.

In a few short days, Bianca went from the bubbly and energetic personality her family and friends know and love, to being completely paralyzed, relying on a ventilator to breathe.

After close examination by Dr Adri Kock, Bianca was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an extremely rare and serious autoimmune disorder which attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system.

The incurable syndrome affects 1 in 100 000 individuals, while there is no known cure, doctors say the severity of the symptoms can be reduced through extensive physiotherapy and special treatment called Polygam and plasma.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the disorder may be triggered by an improper immune response to previous illnesses such as diarrhea or a respiratory infection.

Without medical aid, Bianca’s hospitalisation has already amounted close to R300 000. She has since been transferred to the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital, a government institution, where she remains in I.C.U. on a ventilator. Once released from I.C.U she will be transferred to their neurological department and then begin extensive physical rehabilitation.

“We as a family are absolutely shocked and devastated at the speed at which and the way this illness has affected our daughter, it breaks our hearts to see her laying unable to move or talk when just 2 weeks ago she was perfectly healthy” - says Bianca’s father, Jeff Ackhurst.

To help cover outstanding medical costs and ongoing treatment (costs of which are unknown at this point), the family has created a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy to appeal to the public to support Bianca’s recovery.

The campaign went live on the 6th of July and has thus far raised R72 574.00 with contributions from 106 donors towards the fundraising target of R300 000.

“We are overwhelmed by the donations on our BackaBuddy campaign as well as the support, prayers and well-wishers we have received. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.” - says Ackhurst.

Bianca’s family remains positive as Bianca shows signs of progress.

“There has been slight movement in her fingers and toes and doctors are presently attempting to reduce assistance from the ventilator. We know it’s going to be a long journey ahead, but we firmly believe she will make a full recovery.” - says Ackhurst.

Support this campaign by donating here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/bianca-treatment-guillain-barre or visit www.backabuddy.co.za

About 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 R70 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.

Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA/
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In honor of International Mandela day, together with a specialized them, founder of Conservation Guardians, Greg Vogt (57) and Italian-born, Sara Agostini (28) have taken on the mammoth challenge of rescuing the Shongweni Resource Reserve which has deteriorated since the land claim in 2013.

The reserve situated in Outer West, Ethikweni is 1700 hectares of pristine biodiversity and is currently home to 12 Giraffe, 12 Buffalo and a number of other species.

Conservation Guardians founded in 2008, cooperates with local structures, Conservation Authorities and global tourism organizations to achieve biodiversity targets, improve the welfare of wildlife, and the integrity of tourism and aims to inspire a community of conscious travellers.

“Conservation Guardians is mandated with the task of restoring the Shongweni Resource Reserve back to its original splendour and we will not be able to achieve this without the right attitude, the right people and the necessary resources.” - says Greg.

Hoping to raise funds to maintain the reserve for the next 3 months, Greg and Sara have committed to paddle for 67 km’s on what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th Birthday and have set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy to appeal to the public for support.

The campaign went live on 13 July 2018 and has thus far raised R8 398.54 towards their fundraising target of R350 000 with contributions from 20 donors.

The funds will be used to cover vital operational costs and combat various threats to the sustainability of the facility as well as protect the ecosystem from poaching, vandalism, copper and brass theft from the dam wall.

“The fences that keep these animals safe have never been maintained and today the beautiful herd of giraffes, and the other animals are at risk and are exposed to various threats. Since the previous managing company has been operating the reserve, it has deteriorated and it’s been really upsetting to the Zwelibonvu community” – says Greg

Sara, who joined Conservation Guardians in October 2017, has fallen in love with South Africa. As a student studying foreign languages and international relation she has visited SA a number of times and hopes to protect its beauty.

“This beautiful country offers one culture, ancient and modern architecture and diverse natural experiences, from the ocean to the mountains. This place has nourished my soul since I was a child and believe our BackaBuddy campaign can make a difference. if our Madiba has taught us anything, is that nothing is impossible”- says Sara

Donate to this campaign here:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/shongweni67

About 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 R70 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.

Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA/

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With over 150 000 charity organizations in South Africa, it is clear to see why we are known as a warm-hearted nation. With so many non-profits doing their part to elevate their various causes, it is the perfect time to dig deeper and investigate our unique stance on philanthropy.

A new survey, put together by Non-profit Tech For Good is hoping to provide insight into our budding non-profit sector through the 2018 Global Trends in Giving Survey. A report which will be the first of its kind.

The survey, available in five languages; Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, aims to crowdsource the largest global survey of individual donors ever, partnering with 21 Non-profit organizations to better understand generosity in the charity space.

Representing South Africa in the study, which is already in circulation, is donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, a strong contender in social giving. The organization has raised an astounding R65 Million for charities and individuals alike.

“The goal of the 2018 Global Trends in Giving Survey is to gain a better understanding of how donors worldwide engage with causes and charities that resonate with them. Partnering with BackaBuddy we hope to gage an understanding of the ‘spirit of Ubuntu’ in the emerging market that is South Africa” – says Non-profit Technology Trainer, Heather MacDonald

We would like to encourage South Africans to join the conversation and lend their voice to the report. The results will allow our charities an opportunity to learn from each other and align themselves with latest the market trends to better serve our community.

The survey is 100% anonymous and only takes 5 minutes to complete. Click here: https://givingreport.ngo

Joshua Naicker (22 months old) from Midrand, Johannesburg, was born at only 33 weeks old with challenging circumstances. The circumference of his head measured 45 cm, a length greater than his body, due to tremendous fluid on his brain.

Proud parents, Phillecia (29) and Bradley (36) were elated to welcome their first born into the world after 5 years of marriage and with uncomplicated family medical history, they could not have anticipated the difficult road ahead.Baby Joshua was diagnosed with congenital Hydrocephalus, more commonly known as “water on the brain”. This relentless and incurable disease currently affects 1 in every 500 babies globally.

At only 10 days old Joshua had already undergone his first brain surgery and spent the first two months of his life in Neonatal ICU, where he received a number of plasma blood transfusions to compensate for hemorrhaging large amounts of blood. He has since been fitted with a shunt (a thin piece of plastic tubing with a catheter), which drains the fluid from his brain to his stomach.

As a result of this rare disease Joshua has developed a number of serious conditionsnamely Cerebral Palsy (Hemiplegia), severe Cortical Visual Impairment, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Chiari Malformation, Scoliosis, missing Septum Pellucid, global developmental delay and hypertonia.

“He has had a total of 5 operations in his short existence, 3 of them being brain surgeries, uncountable hours of therapy and doctors appointments. His daily activities are so challenging and he cannot perform any tasks independently such as sitting, standing, crawling, playing, eating or drinking.” – says Bradley.

Despite his challenging circumstances, Joshua is described as a bubbly child, who loves affection.“He has the most beautiful smile, a smile that can capture anyone's heart. He exudes love and happiness. He has the true heart of a warrior.” – says Phillecia 

“He has come such a long way and is getting very close to sitting and crawling each day. He is beating the odds and with the right treatment and therapy has a chance at developing normally.” – adds Bradley

With unexpected mounting medical costs, Joshua’s parents have appealed to the public for support and set up a campaign on donations-based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy hopes to fund raise a total of R400 000 for Joshua to undergo Stem Cell Therapy at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

“Stem cell treatment will help him have a better quality of life and we are hoping it will specifically help with his vision, as he is practically blind. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate and repair the damaged brain cells. Duke University has performed thousands of stem cell infusions specifically for children born with this condition. We are hopeful that the procedure will eliminate at least one of Joshua’s conditions” – says Bradley

Breakdown of medical costs:

• The estimated total cost of the first stem cell treatment will be around R344 700 allowing for exchange rate fluctuations or an approximate 10 per cent increase.
• Banking and processing the stem cells for infusion: R20 460HLA-typing of both siblings to confirm a match: R6 507Transporting the stem cells to America: R26 300
• Infusion of stem cells: R216 100
• Transportation and accommodation in America: R44 000

“From the time Joshua was born we have done our best to manage this extremely difficult and expensive situation on our own, but the financial toll on our family has been overwhelming and we need help. We cannot express our gratitude to everyone who has supported out BackaBuddy campaign. Donors have given our boy a chance at a life where he will encounter far less challenges” – says Phillecia. 

Joshua’s campaign has thus far raised R45 498 towards his fundraising goal of R400 000 with contributions from 64 donors.Contribute Joshua’s medical campaign by donating here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/hope-for-joshua

Participate in the Global Giving Survey to empower Charities in South Africa here

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.T

Take a look at our Website site https://www.backabuddy.co.za

For additional information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 082 602 0735