Support for My Family During a Devastating Crisis

Hi, my name is Lea, and I’m reaching out for support for my parents in South Africa, who are going through the most devastating time of their lives.

My family is from Durbanville, Western Cape, South Africa, where my parents spent decades building a family-run business—something they poured their hearts, energy, and life savings into. Tragically, last year a large corporation stepped in and took 85% of their client base, leaving them with nothing.

They’ve since had to sell almost everything they own: their vehicles, prized photography equipment, and the family home they’ve lived in for over 30 years. The house is still on the market, but it’s been difficult to sell due to its outdated condition and lack of funds for necessary upgrades.

I tried to help.

Last year, I moved into a sales position hoping I could earn enough to support them. But the move backfired. I wasn’t making enough to support myself, and I fell into debt. It was heartbreaking—trying everything I could to help them, and still coming up short.

And just when things felt at their worst, my dad became severely ill.

He was rushed to hospital for severe vomiting, which led to emergency gallbladder surgery. During the operation, doctors discovered his liver was failing. Then, while undergoing another procedure, his lungs began to collapse and blood clots were found. He spent a couple weeks in ICU, developed pneumonia, and later contracted COVID after being transferred to another ward.

He’s now recovering in a step-down facility, but he’s not the same man. Confused, frail, and vulnerable. Watching him go through this while being so far away has been agonizing.

My mother has been holding everything together—selling whatever she can to pay bills, standing in long queues to collect unemployment, and now preparing for the enormous responsibility of being my father’s caregiver.

They are scared. I am scared.

The medical bills are mounting. Their future is uncertain. My mom doesn’t know how she’ll care for him, where they will live, or how they’ll survive with little to no income.

They’ve lost everything. And I’m doing all I can, but I can’t do this alone.

Your donation will go directly to:

• Medical bills

• Basic living expenses

• Transitioning them into a safe and stable living environment

• Supporting my mom as she becomes the sole caregiver

If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this with someone who might be able to help—whether through a donation, or even by offering my mom a job. She’s incredibly hardworking and has years of experience reconciling accounts, managing books, and working with numbers. Any opportunity, big or small, could truly change their lives.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for any support you can offer.

—Lea