Helping an animal angel rise again

Marike has spent her life healing others. Now, she needs our help to heal.

Born with a congenital heart defect, Marike has always faced challenges that made everyday life more difficult. Yet she refused to allow her condition to define her. Instead, she devoted her life, her skills and her enormous heart to helping those who could not help themselves, particularly animals who had already endured difficult beginnings.

As a veterinarian who has always worked in animal welfare, Marike has saved and transformed countless lives. Those involved in animal welfare in Gauteng will know just how many vulnerable animals have received a second chance because she was there to care for them.

Recently, however, passion and determination were no longer enough. Marike’s health deteriorated to the point where she could not continue doing the vital work that means so much to her.

Following life-changing heart surgery, she is now slowly rebuilding her strength. Her greatest hope is to return to the animals and people who need her, while also being able to enjoy a fuller, more...