Bone Marrow Buddies for Etienne

For the past three years, I’ve been working hard to rebuild my health and regain as much independence as I can. 

Because of a genetic mutation, I have an incurable bone marrow cancer that disrupts my immune system and causes many secondary symptoms like Crohn’s disease and arthritis.

The arthritis, especially, remains a daily challenge that causes pain and exhaustion.

I’ve made real progress in my treatment and recovery over these three years, and I’m stronger than I was — but not fully independent yet.

Because my illness doesn’t have a cure, I have to stay permanently on the biological drugs that keep me alive. Just my cancer drugs cost R1,800 per day! The drug price increases more than once a year, and my medical aid’s coverage gets more restrictive with each passing year.

In the first half of this year alone, my cancer‑drug co‑payments have totalled ±R40,000. Because I lacked the necessary cash flow, I’ve already had to skip two monthly medication purchases and ration my cancer pills...