When faced with a challenging medical diagnosis families often aren’t prepared for the financial burden placed on them at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
In 2020, BackaBuddy passed the R200 million raised mark for good causes in South Africa. Read More.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising online by setting up a project to receive many small donations from a number of individuals through the use of social media and the press.
Through emotive storytelling, imagery and video content, campaign creators are able to present their cause to the public to reach their specified fundraising target.
What can you raise funds for?
Over 16 000 individuals have successfully crowdfunded for: Cancer Treatment, Cystic Fibrosis treatment, Bone Marrow Transplants, Kidney Dialysis, Heart surgery, Liver transplant, Cochlear implants and Wheelchairs on BackaBuddy.
As long as you have an earnest medical need that can be validated by a doctor or health practitioner, you can raise funds on the crowdfunding platform.
Getting started
Get started with your crowdfunding campaign by sending BackaBuddy your story, funding needs, and references by completing this form.
Once your campaign is set-up, you will have a shareable link that you can share on your social media, the press and most importantly, with family and friends, who can help you share the word and donate to your cause.
Medical campaigns that captured our hearts
A Bone Marrow Transplant for Aaron
Aaron Lipschitz (5) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is the first child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare genetic condition that affects the immune system.
The only way for Aaron to overcome his recurrent infections and survive this condition, was to have a bone marrow transplant, which successfully took place in August 2018. Read more.
Since the launch of Aaron’s BackaBuddy campaign, over R1.1 million has been raised for his ongoing treatment.
Mandy’s Breast Cancer treatment
When Salon owner, Mandy Lottering from Pietermaritzburg was diagnosed Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2017, she set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy with the support of her friend, Angela.
Penning an emotional open letter to supporters, Mandy reminded herself, that she is many things, a mother, a wife, a cheerleader, a friend, but she is not her cancer. Thankfully with the support of her community, Mandy is now in remission and still counts her blessings everyday.
Heart surgery for Naledi
When Naledi Thahanyane (4) from Johannesburg was 6 months old she was put in the care of Juno Aurora Haven, a home for abused and neglected children in Sandton.
When Naledi was taken to a pediatrician for a regular checkup three years ago, it was discovered that she had a heart defect, a growth just below the left aorta.
Without funds to cover the cost of Naledi’s operation, medication, medical supplies, sterilization equipment as well as a home nurse, a campaign was launched on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of Naledi’s BackaBuddy campaign, over R180 000 has been raised for her ongoing treatment.
A Cochlear implant for Neave
After failing her hearing test, doctors discovered that Neave Barrett was born deaf. With the family’s medical aid covering a portion of the funds needed to fit Neave with a cochlear implant, a campaign was launched to cover the additional funds needed.
Thankfully, Neave raised almost R57 000 and had her cochlear implant’s switched on in early 2017.
A liver transplant for Aiden
Aidan Maddocks (14), from Pietermaritzburg, was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia at birth, a childhood liver disease that only affects 1 in 10,000–15,000 live births.
After receiving a Kasai Operation at Albert Luthuli Hospital when he was only 3 years old, Doctors told Aiden that he would need a liver transplant in the next decade. Read more.
When the day arrived, Aiden’s family set up a BackaBuddy campaign to cover the costs of his treatment when his donor liver arrived.
Prosthetics for Ubuko
Ubuko Mpotulo (10), from East London, was diagnosed with Meningococcal Septicaemia, a condition where bacteria enters the bloodstream and multiply, damaging the walls of the blood vessels.
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. He was soon fitted with prosthetics and adjusted to his ‘new normal’ very quickly.
To support Ubuko with his ongoing medical costs, as his prosthetic sockets will need to be refitted and changed at least 14 to 16 times until he stops growing, 7 Round Tablers from East London dedicated the 70.3 Ironman challenge to raise funds for the young man on BackaBuddy.
A Wheelchair for Ellané
Ellané Burger (8) from Wellington, Western Cape was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called Disabling Pansclorotic Morphea. The condition affects the skin, nerves and muscles making it difficult to jump, run, walk short distances or even stand still.
To give Ellané a new lease on life, her parents set up a campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for a specialized wheelchair that has broadened her horizons.
Sign-up on BackaBuddy
If you or a loved one is in need of raising funds for medical costs, click here to register on BackaBuddy.
Have any questions?
BackaBuddy is there to help:
- Email: lisa@backabuddy.co.za
- Call: 076 191 1429
- Send a WhatsApp
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