Diagnosed with stage five kidney failure at 15, DK found new life through his mother’s kidney… and he’s now inspiring others to become organ donors too.

Pretoria, South Africa (27 May 2025) – When Ditshegofatso Kgobisa was just 15, his world changed overnight. The vibrant teenager, known as DK, was suddenly too unwell to keep down even a meal. What followed was a whirlwind of emergency hospital visits, a devastating diagnosis, and a journey that tested, and ultimately celebrated, the strength of a loving family and the incredible dedication of healthcare heroes.

Now, just a few years later, DK is thriving, back at school, back to dreaming big and back to being a teenager with a whole future ahead of him.

And it’s all thanks to one extraordinary act of love from his mother, Rosemary.

It was the 8th of December 2021 when DK’s mother got the call that would change everything. Their trusted family doctor, Dr Lilian Sanyane, urged the family to get DK to the emergency department immediately.

Within hours, DK was admitted to Netcare Montana Hospital and diagnosed with stage five kidney failure. Already managing epilepsy, the teenager now had to face a new and terrifying condition. The kidney failure brought on dangerously high blood pressure, eventually leading to a haemorrhagic stroke that required emergency surgery.

“For a parent, there are no words. We didn’t know anything about dialysis at that stage, and we were scared,” Rosemary recalls. But amid the panic, a team of healthcare professionals stepped in – not only with medical expertise but with a plan, and with hope.

That’s what dialysis looked like for DK, and it became part of his routine for nearly a year. The National Renal Care (NRC) Montana’s acute dialysis team stepped in quickly, and DK began sessions at the hospital just days after his diagnosis.

“A supportive family is everything,” said Mary Mosetlha, who was the unit manager of NRC Montana at the time. “DK’s parents, his brother, aunts, cousins – they didn’t just drop him off. They stayed, they supported, they cared. We all became a family.”

Dialysis isn’t just a treatment; it’s a lifestyle. And for young patients like DK, the emotional and psychological toll can be just as intense as the physical one. But through it all, the Kgobisa family showed up. Again and again.

Very early in DK’s treatment, the family began talking about transplantation. Rosemary, her husband, and their eldest son all stepped forward to be tested as potential kidney donors. When Rosemary was identified as the best match, there was no hesitation.

With the support of their transplant coordinator, Sister Nthabiseng Sono, the family prepared for surgery at Netcare Jakaranda Hospital in November 2022.

“The kidney started working immediately,” Rosemary says. “Within days, DK had his energy back. He was literally running around the hospital! I told him, it feels like I gave birth to you twice. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The bond between DK and his mother is now visible in more than just shared DNA.

“I appreciate my scar a lot,” Rosemary says. “It reminds me of the gift I gave, and the love I have for my son.”

Today, DK is 18 and back at school. He’s passionate about music, acting and dreams of becoming a music producer.

“I want to thank my family for all the love and support, and especially my mom, who gave me the kidney that saved my life,” he says.

He also offered heartfelt thanks to the entire healthcare team.

“Thank you to every nurse and doctor who helped me. You were my lifeline.”

The Kgobisa family’s story is not just about survival, it’s about showing what’s possible when love, faith, and medical care come together.

“We want to share our experience to show that good outcomes are possible,” Rosemary says.

Their story is a reminder of the power of organ donation, a gift that not only saves lives but restores families, futures and hope.

If there’s one thing Rosemary would like to leave us with, it’s this: “Please consider becoming an organ donor. It’s the greatest gift you can give. A second chance. A second life.”

Sources: Netcare | Organ Donation | Organ | Organ 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Teen’s Life Transformed After His Mother Becomes His Organ Donor appeared first on Good Things Guy.

From Centurion to every corner of South Africa, one mother’s plea is echoing loudly: help my daughter breathe again. This is Milly’s story of strength, survival and hope!

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 May 2025) – There are moments when life demands more than strength. It asks for miracles. And right now, in a quiet hospital room at Netcare Milpark, one family is asking South Africa to help make one happen.

Wilma Naude is a mother. She’s a warrior on the frontlines of a fight no parent ever wants to face, the fight to save her daughter’s life. Her 36-year-old daughter, Melissa (fondly known as Milly), is facing a terrifying reality. Her lungs are operating at just 17%. And unless she receives a life-saving double lung transplant, she may not survive.

But there’s a catch. According to the mom, despite a donor potentially being available, the operation is being delayed. They’re still waiting on medical aid authorisation. Red tape in a race where every second counts.

And so, the family has turned to the nation. To you. To all of us.

Milly was born with Pulmonary Ciliary Dyskinesia, an incredibly rare genetic condition that affects the lungs’ ability to clear bacteria and mucus. It’s the kind of diagnosis that rewrites futures before they even begin. For Milly, it’s meant a life of hospitals, surgeries, and a dependency on oxygen that has robbed her of so much — but never her will to live.

Her list of procedures reads like something out of a medical journal: 11 sets of grommets. A lifetime of blood tests. Six ICU stays… in just one year. Round-the-clock oxygen. Daily inhaled antibiotics. Total physical isolation to protect her from infection.

And still, she fights.

The transplant offers hope. But even hope comes with complications.

The operation must be performed under tight conditions: Milly must survive 90 days post-transplant and prove a medical likelihood of surviving at least five more years. It’s a high-stakes, high-risk procedure but it’s her only shot.

Her mother explains that the medical aid situation is making it harder. “Her funder, SizweHosmed, is under administration and the authorisation required for the transplant is still pending. Legal channels have been activated, but time is running out.”

To speed things up, the family has launched a crowdfunding campaign. A last-ditch effort to raise the R2 million needed to cover the transplant and post-op care. Every hour matters. Every contribution counts.

Milly is not just a patient or a case study. She’s a daughter, a sister, a friend. Someone who has lived with strength most of us can’t fathom and who has done it all with grace, quietly, far from the limelight. Her story isn’t just about lungs. It’s about courage. It’s about how much a human life is worth. It’s about a mom, watching her child suffocate, refusing to give up.

“I am pleading with you – please help me save my child’s life,” Wilma says.

“Every donation is a chance to keep her alive. Every breath she takes is a miracle.”

South Africans have always shown up when it matters. We’ve rallied behind families, strangers and friends alike. And right now, Milly needs us.

You can read more about Milly’s story or support the crowdfund here.

*At the time of publishing, the Crowdfund amounted to R8,300, that number has since increased to R44,085.

Sources: Wilma Naude

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A kidney, a friendship and a whole lot of kindness. Kearsney Deputy Head donates kidney to save former student’s life.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (03 April 2025) – Last week, something truly extraordinary happened, a moment that reminds us how deeply people can care for each other, even across decades. Marc Ancillotti, Deputy Head at Kearsney College, underwent surgery to donate a kidney to his friend, Justin Fletcher… a former student he once taught at Michaelhouse 25 years ago.

It’s the kind of story that gives you goosebumps, a story that reminds us what love, friendship and human decency can look like in their purest form.

Justin, who was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure, had been told he had just 12 months to find a kidney. At the time, his wife Gaylyn was four months pregnant with their daughter and their lives were thrown into a terrifying spiral of uncertainty.

“My husband was told he had 12 months to find a kidney, to save his life. I was four months pregnant at the time. Our world was never going to be the same again,” she shared.

But then came Marc.

“I first read a ‘plea for help’ on a Michaelhouse Old Boys circular… I read the post and felt God calling me, saying, ‘You got this. Stand up and step forward’. I have never felt so convicted in my life to do something,” Marc wrote in a heartfelt post.

From that moment, Marc never looked back. He faced medical tests, allergic reactions, setbacks and bureaucratic delays. He kept showing up. He kept pushing forward.

“There were so many challenges,” he explained. “I failed tests, my blood pressure readings were out… the blood pressure monitor ‘broke’… I had to carry a 5L canister around at work… but I always knew it would happen.”

And it did.

On the 26th of March 2025, Marc gave a literal piece of himself so that Justin could live the life he deserved — as a husband, a father and the incredible human who lights up every room.

In a bid to ease the overwhelming medical costs, a crowdfunding campaign was launched through BackaBuddy. South Africans from all walks of life rallied together, raising an incredible R654,000 out of the R690,000 target. Proof that kindness still moves mountains.

Why does this matter? Because it’s a reminder that we still live among everyday heroes. That someone can look at an old schoolboy connection and say, “Yes, I’ll give you a part of myself so you can live.” Because Marc didn’t just give an organ… he gave a daughter her dad, a wife her husband, and a community their friend.

As Gaylyn so beautifully put it: “Justin is the epitome of goodness and kindness… his joy is infectious, his heart wide open. He now faces the biggest challenge of his life. And yet, even in the midst of it all, he still manages to smile, to love, to put others before himself.”

And now? There’s hope. There’s healing. There’s the promise of a future.

“I’ll never ever be able to thank Marc enough,” Gaylyn said. “But what I can promise him is that for the rest of my life, I will be kind. I will help other people feel special and loved and I will continuously let them know that they are enough… and I will pay it forward. Forever.”

That’s the legacy of this story, not just a successful surgery, but a ripple of kindness that will keep spreading.

Marc ended his note with one final wish: “Be kind. And help other people to feel special, and to feel loved, and to know that they are enough. That they have always been enough… and help them to feel so overwhelmed with love and kindness, like I feel now, that they just need to pay it forward.”

What a world we get to live in where people like Marc exist. Where love wins. Where kindness keeps showing up. And where, thanks to a kidney and an unbreakable friendship, the good things just keep on coming.

Sources: Marc Ancillotti | Kearsney College | Backabuddy 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies) is talking all things kidney health for World Kidney Day and preparing for its fun walk, happening this weekend!

South Africa (13 March 2025) – As the world marks World Kidney Day on 13 March 2025, TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies) is amplifying the global message: “Are Your Kidneys OK?” This vital question underscores the importance of kidney health, early detection, and access to life-saving treatments.

The Silent Epidemic: Chronic Kidney Disease in South Africa

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent epidemic affecting millions worldwide, including 8,500 people on dialysis in South Africa. However, the true burden is far greater. Many South Africans with advanced kidney disease are unable to access dialysis, leaving them without the care they urgently need. Early detection and prevention are key to reducing this burden and saving lives.

You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function without showing any signs or symptoms of kidney failure. This makes regular screening crucial, especially for those at higher risk.

World Kidney Day, a global awareness campaign, has developed Eight Golden Rules to follow to ensure you keep your precious kidneys healthy.

The Eight Golden Rules for Kidney Health

• Monitor and control your blood pressure: Knowing your blood pressure is essential, as high blood pressure can damage your kidneys and cause CKD, which can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Normal blood pressure is 120/80. If your blood pressure is consistently above this level, consult your healthcare provider to discuss lifestyle and dietary changes to control it.
• Control your blood sugar level: Many people with diabetes develop ESRD. Maintaining your blood sugar levels and having your kidney function tested regularly can reduce or even prevent the progression to ESRD with early detection.
• Get moving: Regular exercise offers several benefits, including:
-Maintaining a healthy weight,
-Reducing blood pressure
-Lowering the risk of developing CKD
• Eat a healthy diet and maintain a stable weight: A healthy diet can prevent lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease, which are linked to CKD. Limit your salt intake to 5-6 grams per day (about a teaspoon). Processed foods often contain high salt levels, so prepare meals using fresh ingredients when possible.
• Drink enough water: Staying hydrated helps your kidneys remove waste and excess minerals like sodium, potassium, and phosphates. Your ideal fluid intake depends on your activity level, climate, and health conditions. Consult your doctor to determine the right amount of fluids for you.
• Don’t start smoking – and quit if you do Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their function and preventing them from effectively removing toxins. Quitting smoking can help protect your kidney health.
• Avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication: Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can increase your risk of CKD. Speak to your healthcare professional about safer ways to manage pain and protect your kidneys.

Get your kidney function checked regularly if you are in a high-risk group. You are at higher risk for CKD if you have:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• A family history of kidney disease

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease, but it can be prevented and its progression to End Stage Renal Disease can be managed. By following these Eight Golden Rules, you can protect your kidneys—your body’s essential filters—and maintain your overall health.

TELL’s Commitment to Kidney Health and Organ Donation

TELL is dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and the transformative power of organ donation. Through educational campaigns, community outreach, and free kidney health screenings, TELL empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward better health. By fostering conversations around kidney disease, TELL aims to break down misinformation and encourage life-saving organ donations.

“The question, ‘Are Your Kidneys OK?’ is a reminder that kidney health cannot be taken for granted,” says Stella de Kock, TELL Managing Director. “By promoting early detection and encouraging organ donation, we can help more people receive the care they deserve and improve outcomes for those living with kidney disease.”

Take Action This World Kidney Day

This World Kidney Day, TELL encourages everyone to:

• Know Your Risk: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney disease increase your risk.
• Get Screened: Regular kidney health checks can detect problems early when they are most treatable.
• Support Organ Donation: By becoming an organ donor, you can offer a second chance at life to those in need.

Join Us: TELL’s Fun Walk at Big Red Barn

TELL is hosting a Fun Walk at the Big Red Barn (Centurion) on Saturday, 15 March 2025. This family-friendly event aims to promote kidney health and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

Pathcare will offer free health screenings to the public, including blood pressure and kidney function tests. Join us for a fun-filled morning, get the heart rate going for healthy kidneys, and support the cause of kidney health and organ donation. Tickets are available at Webtickets here.

Sources: TELL

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post TELL Champions Talk Kidney Health for World Kidney Day & Prep for Big Walk appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Twelve years ago, Fawn Kruger took a breath that changed everything. She was given a second chance, one she has embraced with courage, gratitude and an unstoppable zest for life. Today, she marks a milestone that few ever reach, proving that resilience isn’t just about survival… it’s about truly living.

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 March 2025) – Twelve years ago, Fawn Kruger received a gift that reshaped her future… a pair of donor lungs that allowed her to keep living, breathing and embracing every moment with gratitude.

Now, as she celebrates 12 years since that life-changing transplant, she joins a rare group of South Africans who have reached this incredible milestone, proving that resilience and second chances can lead to extraordinary journeys.

“Twelve years later and my lung babies are still being superstars and allowing me to experience, be and hope for so much more than I ever imagined,” Fawn shared. 

But if you know Fawn, you’ll know that she’s not just about reaching milestones, she’s about using them to inspire, educate and make a difference. Fawny (as we know her) is a good friend of mine and Good Things Guy. Over the years, she has become family, and watching her journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

I first heard about Fawn through another incredible warrior in the organ donation space, Jenna Lowe. Jenna’s impact in this world was immense, and I’ll always be grateful for the serendipitous connection that led me to Fawn because of her. Then, as fate would have it, I finally met Fawn in person through an old school friend, one of my besties – her remarkable (now) husband, Travis Kruger.

At first glance, she seems like any other 37-year-old living in Johannesburg – married, running her own business, sharing her home with MANY beloved pets and spending time with friends. But what sets her apart is that twelve years ago, both of her lungs were removed and replaced with a stranger’s in a procedure that ultimately saved her life.

Fawn was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that makes even the simplest act of breathing a struggle. CF primarily affects the lungs, filling them with thick, sticky mucus that makes it nearly impossible to breathe. Over time, the lungs deteriorate to the point where oxygen machines become a lifeline.

“It’s like having a constant bronchitis infection every day of your life – it’s exhausting and painful,” Fawn explains.

By the time she was 13, she was spending weeks in the hospital every few months, hooked up to IV antibiotics. By adulthood, she was attached to an oxygen machine 24/7. Even removing the tubing for a few minutes would leave her lips turning blue.

Then, in March 2013, she got the call that changed everything.

A match had been found.

The eight-hour surgery was just the beginning. She spent three months in the hospital, battling complications, and another year regaining the strength she had lost over the years. But despite the challenges, she embraced her new lungs with an energy and appreciation for life that is nothing short of inspiring.

Lung transplants are complex. The odds of surviving long-term are not always in the patient’s favour. Only around 30% of lung transplant recipients make it to 10 years. And yet, here Fawn stands – 12 years later, thriving.

Speaking to Fawn this morning, I asked her what 12 years means to her. She said: “Every year is its own challenge; it comes with its own highs and lows. I am excited for the highs and always prepared, with the support of my family, friends and health workers, for the lows.”

She also added in that today was not just about celebrating her life but also a day to give thanks to her donor.

“As always, today is not only a CELEBRATION OF LIFE but also a day to take some extra time to think of my donor and their family. Without their consent to organ donation, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Fawn’s journey hasn’t stopped at survival. She co-founded TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies), an organisation dedicated to increasing the number of organ transplants in South Africa. Their aim is to remind South Africans to “TELL” their loved ones about their choice to be an organ donor.

“If you want to one day donate your organs, then please TELL your family of your wishes. When you are no longer here, they will make the decision whether or not your organs are donated.”

The organisation has become an important voice for organ donation in South Africa, and this is the reason many South Africans now have the “TELL” tattoo.

Today is a really big celebration at Good Things Guy… for Fawn, who has spent the last 12 years making the most of every breath, experiencing firsts she never thought possible and advocating for others who are still waiting for their second chance.

And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Fawn isn’t done making an impact yet.

We love you Fawny. Happy Lungaversary.

Sources: Fawn Rogers 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post 12 Years of Life, Love and Lungs: Celebrating Fawn Kruger’s Milestone appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After years tethered to a dialysis machine, Jacoba “Kinnie” Steyn celebrated her first Christmas with renewed energy, a grateful heart, and a second chance at life – thanks to the gift of a life-changing kidney transplant.

South Africa (30 December 2024) – It’s the kind of story that fills you with hope, even when life throws its toughest challenges your way. Jacoba “Kinnie” Steyn’s journey from kidney failure to the joy of her first festive season post-transplant is a story of resilience, love, and gratitude.

In December 2021, Kinnie was dealt a life-altering blow. Despite a healthy lifestyle and careful management of her polycystic kidney disease, her kidneys had failed, and dialysis became her lifeline.

“It was a huge shock,” Kinnie recalls. “Even with all the precautions I took, it caught up with me. But in January 2022, I decided I would not give up. If I had to be on dialysis, I would be a fighter.”

Kinnie’s determination was matched by the unwavering support of her family and the dedicated medical teams at National Renal Care (NRC). With centres across South Africa, NRC provided Kinnie with the care and information she needed to manage her condition. Her nephrologist, Dr Hon-Chun Peter Hsu, was a constant source of encouragement.

“Dialysis is a lifeline, but a kidney transplant offers a chance to reclaim a full life,” he explains.

Kinnie faced a long waiting list for a matching donor. Her husband, Johan, was willing to donate, but medical risks made it impossible.

“It was a tough time, but we didn’t lose hope,” she says.

And then, three years later, the call came.

“Receiving that call was surreal,” Kinnie says. “I had just two hours to prepare for surgery. It felt like my second chance at life was finally here.”

The transplant, performed at Netcare Milpark Hospital, was a success, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Kinnie.

Her gratitude shines through as she speaks about her family, the donor and their family, and the dedicated healthcare professionals who supported her.

“I don’t know who the donor was, but I hope their family knows the incredible difference their decision made. This Christmas, my heart is full of gratitude. It’s also the first Christmas I don’t need dialysis – a blessing I’ll never take for granted.”

For Kinnie, life after her transplant is about the small joys she missed during her dialysis days.

“This year, I can finally eat ice cream!” she laughs. “And spending time with my grandson, who’s two years old, feels extra special now. I have energy, colour in my cheeks, and a zest for life that I never want to lose.”

Kinnie’s story has inspired others in her community, including many dialysis patients who are now considering joining the transplant waiting list. Dr Hsu highlights the life-changing impact of organ donation.

“It’s vital to discuss your wishes with your family and consider registering as an organ donor. The difference it makes is remarkable.”

As we celebrate Kinnie’s journey, her message is clear: “There is hope. I’m living proof of that. Whether you’re on dialysis or considering becoming an organ donor, know that your choices can save lives – and change them forever.”

To learn more about becoming an organ donor and potentially saving up to seven lives, visit the Organ Donor Foundation. Let’s make a difference, one life at a time.

Sources: Netcare 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post From Dialysis to a New Life: Kinnie Steyn’s Incredible Journey appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Hlelo, a vibrant 12-year-old from Brown’s Farm, was a soccer enthusiast. But his life took a sudden turn when he experienced heart failure. Thanks to the expert care at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and the generosity of donors, Hlelo received a heart transplant, has made a remarkable recovery and is once again chasing his soccer dreams!

Cape Town, South Africa (17 December 2024) – As things slow down and the year draws to a close, The Children’s Hospital Trust takes this season of giving and gratitude to reflect on 30 years of transformative impact by sharing the story of Hlelo, one of the millions of children whose lives have been changed forever, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors.

Hlelo, a 12-year-old boy from Brown’s Farm in Philippi, was full of life and loved playing soccer with his friends. But his world turned upside down when he suddenly went into heart failure in 2022, describing a burning sensation in his chest to his mother.

Within days, Hlelo was in the hospital, connected to machines that were keeping him alive. The gift of a heart transplant saved his life, and so did the exceptional care he received at the newly built emergency centre, ICU, and theatre complex at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital—all facilities made possible by the Trust and its donors.

Now, just two years later, Hlelo is back on the soccer field, chasing his dreams. See his remarkable journey in the video below:

Reflecting on 30 Years of Achievement

Since its establishment in 1994, the Children’s Hospital Trust has been a beacon of hope. Initially founded to support the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, the Trust has invested over R1 billion in more than 50 vital equipment and building projects at health facilities in the Western Cape, including Groote Schuur Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care Centre as well as training projects to equip healthcare professionals across the African continent.

Thanks to their donor’s generosity, the Trust has touched the lives of over 5.5 million children, providing them with access to world-class healthcare.

Reflecting over the past 30 years, with the support of donors, the Trust has achieved more than what seemed possible. From the care provided to millions of children to the state-of-the-art facilities built and training programmes developed to support them, these achievements are a testament to the power of collective generosity.

Make a Difference This Festive Season

This festive season, you can make a lasting impact on a child’s life by donating to the Children’s Hospital Trust through its Give a Gift that Matters campaign, marking 30 years of transformative impact.

When you do, 100% of your contribution goes directly toward improving healthcare for children and touching the lives of more children like Hlelo.

To support the Children Hospital Trust, visit www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za/donate

Sources: Supplied

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Mosa Mphore, a kidney transplant recipient, is on a mission to raise awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation. To further amplify his message, Mosa has organised the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour, a 3-day cycling event from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 November 2024) – After facing a life-threatening battle with advanced kidney failure, Mosa Mphore experienced a miraculous turnaround just in time to save his life. This profound experience has inspired him to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to help many other patients in need.

Mosa, who fell critically ill in the prime of his youth at just 22 years old, understands firsthand the devastating impact of chronic illnesses and the urgent need for organ donors. Diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in 2011, he spent two years on dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant in 2013.

“When I got that call, I knew my life was about to change. But it also gave me a purpose: to share my story and educate people on how organ donation gives others a second chance at life,” says Mosa.

Today, the founder of the Open-Eye Foundation, Mosa is living proof of the power of organ donation and is calling on all South Africans to join him in promoting the life-saving importance of becoming blood, tissue, and organ donors.

Mosa’s journey has fuelled his mission to educate the nation and inspire compassion through organ donation.

Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour

In an exciting new initiative, the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour will see cyclists embark on an epic ride from Johannesburg to Cape Town, from 22 to 24 November 2024, to raise awareness for organ donation.

The tour, organised by Mosa’s Open-Eye Foundation, aims to create a ripple effect of generosity, encouraging South Africans to consider registering as organ donors and saving lives.

The Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour marks an exciting new chapter for the foundation, which has been dedicated to raising awareness about chronic illnesses and organ donation.

This year, the tour has grown in scope, from walking 80km in the provinces to cycling hundreds of kilometres, symbolising the journey many patients endure as they wait for a life-saving organ.

“We want to break down the misconceptions and cultural barriers surrounding organ donation,” Mosa emphasises.

“The simple act of saying ‘yes’ to becoming a donor can transform lives. We’re pedalling for second chances and renewed lives.”

The tour is not only about cycling but also about unity and hope. Each rider who participates in the event will contribute to the Foundation’s vision of increasing organ donor registration by 20% in Gauteng and the Western Cape, and ultimately, across all provinces in South Africa.

Funds raised will support transplant centres and assist patients on their recovery journeys.

Event Details

• Dates: November 22 to 24
• Route: From Johannesburg to Cape Town
• Purpose: To raise awareness and encourage South Africans to become organ donors

Join the Movement

• Register to become an organ donor and share your decision with your family.
• Donate to support the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour and other organ donation initiatives.
• Participate in the tour to promote this vital cause and ride for a purpose that can change lives.

For more information or to join the tour, visit Open-Eye Foundation’s website or social media for updates. Alternatively, you can donate on the Foundation’s BackaBuddy page.

Sources: Mosa Mphore – Open-Eye Foundation

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Mosa Mphore’s Miracle Kidney Transplant Inspires Him to Launch Cycle Tour to Save More Lives! appeared first on Good Things Guy.