Karin Harmse, the compassionate soul behind Arms of Mercy, has always been a pillar of strength for families in crisis. However, Karin now finds herself facing her own severe health struggles, and her family needs all the support they can get.
Bloubergstrand, South Africa (21 May 2025) – Known to many as the caring soul who has poured herself into Arms of Mercy, a charity that supports children fighting cancer and other life-threatening conditions, Karin Harmse been a living source of solace for just about anyone who has crossed her path.
She has witnessed the pain and suffering of families in crisis and never hesitated to be a source of comfort, hope, and unwavering strength.
But today, the tables have heartbreakingly turned, as Karin faces her own severe health struggle and needs the very help she has so selflessly given to so many others.
Devastated by Karin’s current battle, her husband, Anton, shares that she has a malformed gallbladder that cannot be removed due to the risks posed by previous surgeries.
“Recently, she was diagnosed with severe anaemia; her iron levels are critically low, prompting her specialist to begin urgent iron infusion treatments, but further tests are needed to find out if there’s internal bleeding.
“These tests have already been postponed twice due to financial constraints. We know this cannot wait much longer, as untreated anaemia can become life-threatening,” Anton reveals.
Karin has also lost sight in one of her eyes irreversible retinal damage, with the other requiring cataract removal and specialised lens replacement to preserve what vision she still has.
She has been putting up the bravest fight, all while trying to run a small business, the charity and raise a foster child together with Anton.
“As the sole provider, I do my best, but I can no longer carry this alone. It is incredibly difficult for me to say this, but we need help,” Anton humbly appeals.
The family is hoping to raise R25,000 to cover Karin’s urgent medical needs, including her critical tests, ongoing treatments, and the eye surgery that could preserve her sight.
“My wife has given so much of herself to others. Now, I am asking from the depths of my heart for compassion in return.
“Please consider standing by her in this moment. Your support would mean the world to us and could be life-changing for her.”
Donations towards Karin’s fight can be made to the family’s BackBuddy page.
Sources: BackaBuddy
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