Elderly friend ill and destitute
- By: Marion Pretorius
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/marion-pretorius-5769683322697020607
- Date Created: 28 November 2023
Personal message
Hi friends, family and our extended international community,
I am in New Zealand and an elderly family friend living in South Africa is struggling and has reached out to me for help.
Marion was my neighbour when I was young and I went to school with her daughter. Marion took us in when my parents separated and we had nowhere to go and for this, I have been eternally grateful.
Marion's life has not been easy, she lost her husband to suicide at a young age, survived breast cancer and adopted her grandkids when her daughter became a young widow and fell into the grips of addiction. During her darkest moments, her daughter sold anything Marion had to fuel her drug habits and her addiction has left Marion destitute. Her daughter is in recovery but continues to face her demons and as with many South Africans, has struggled to find sustainable work. So she is in no position to help.
Marion, a resilient 72-year-old, has been the pillar of stability for her grandchildren and with support from her late son-in-law's friends has been able to provide a good foundation and education for her grandchildren.
With yet another one of life's challenges thrown at her, she had developed a cyst in her stomach. For the last few weeks, she has been alone in the hospital, awaiting a diagnosis. She just heard she will need to have a kidney removed and may need dialysis as her other kidney is not fully functioning. Her daughter and grandkids want to be there, but any money they have is going to basic needs and they cannot afford transport.
These are desperate times. If you are able, please contribute to raise funds to cover Marion's medical bills, cover basic needs and make sure she has support when she leaves the hospital. And, most importantly, make sure her family can be right there by her side.
I am also keen to hear from anyone who would be able to support in the form of a ride from Kempton Park to Johannesburg hospital and/or return so family could visit or be able to drop off some supplies. Its a scary time for Marion, and my heart aches that she is doing it alone. I would hate for it to be my mum in this situation.
Thank you for your help and support. If you are also struggling, a kind word, a prayer or even just good vibes will be very much appreciated.
Donations
- Dec 12, 2023 - USD $ 48.13 Fees covered
- "Dear Marion, Hope your surgery goes well and you have a full recovery. Get well soon, Jo" - Anonymous
- Dec 04, 2023 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "" - Anonymous
- Dec 01, 2023 - USD $ 28.65 Fees covered
- "" - Anonymous
Statistics
Fundraising target
R 50 000.00Donations to date
R 1 777.07Elderly friend ill and destitute Campaign
Hello everyone,
I'm currently in New Zealand, and I've received a distressing message from an elderly family friend, Marion, in South Africa. Marion played a crucial role in my life during a difficult time, providing support when my parents separated. Now, she's facing her own challenges.
Marion's life has been marked by hardship, including the loss of her husband to suicide, surviving breast cancer, and taking in her grandchildren when her daughter struggled with addiction. Marion's daughter, in recovery, is unable to assist due to employment difficulties common in South Africa.
At 72, Marion is now dealing with a stomach cyst, alone in the hospital without the financial means for her daughter and grandkids to be with her. I'm reaching out for financial assistance to cover Marion's medical bills, basic needs, and ensure her family's presence when she leaves the hospital. I've arranged for a trusted person in South Africa to manage the funds.
Your contribution can make a significant impact during these desperate times. Any support is appreciated, whether it's a donation, kind words, prayers, or positive vibes.
Thank you for your help and compassion.