THE FAMILY'S STORY:

Fifteen years ago, Frieda was diagnosed with SLE . The L in SLE stands for "Lupus", a word which translates to "wolf" in Latin and describes how this dreaded, incurable chronic disease attacks the organs and immune system.

In 2022, Frieda had to end her successful career of almost 30 years due to the progression of her disease.

In 2023, her medical insurer rejected a major hospital claim and Frieda had to pay the full cost of an extended stay in ICU herself. In the process, the last of her future savings were drained. Frieda and the boys were plunged into poverty overnight.

As she no longer had money to pay, their medical insurance was cancelled together with all present and future security.

Frieda's health has since deteriorated significantly without proper medical care over the last 2 years.

Initially, it was challenging to find work opportunities and now it has become impossible for her to work. She is too ill.

Due to a cognitive deficiency that has rendered them disabled, Frieda's young adult sons were never able to complete even one year of high school. They are therefore not able to work either.

Her eldest son has complete hearing loss from his highly premature birth. Although he received cochlear implants, he stands to lose these without medical insurance. His world will be silent for the first time in 22 years.

At this stage, the family cannot obtain any support or help within their own country (South Africa). They do not have any living family, nor supportive social circles, as Frieda was unable to maintain a social life, working from home since 2005 and devoting all her energy to providing for the boys financially, developmentally, educationally and emotionally.

No member of the family qualifies for any social security grants. The underdeveloped, overloaded healthcare system - on which 85% of the country relies - can also not efficiently meet their needs.

There is no "welfare department" and ordinary citizens are barely able to take care of their own, let alone other families.

It is a situation of hopelessness and despair they cannot overcome alone, in spite of their very best efforts.

Past fundraiser contributions have saved them from homelessness and given them their own roof to sleep under, walls to keep them safe, warmth in an icy winter and provided them with food.

As no other doors have opened for them, the family must remain reliant on international crowdfunding for the payment of:

* Monthly rent ($350)

* Compulsory utilities ($170)

* Frieda's medication ($235)

*Very basic groceries ($200)

This comes to a total of $955 monthly.

The family has no choice but to reach out to you for contributions of any kind in order to avoid a fatal end on the streets.

They will therefore receive any and all contributions with much humility and gratitude.

Thank you so sincerely and from all our hearts.