Help Mum Heal

A Mother's Fight Against Cancer: Join Our Journey Towards Hope

Why Your Help Matters

Help Katinka Hugo and her Family Fund her Bone Marrow Transplant

Hello, I am Katinka Hugo. Life dealt me a tough hand when I was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October 2023 at the age of 54 and with a son and daughter of only 10 and 14 years of age. This happened when my family was working and living in New Zealand. After my first series of chemotherapy, I was sent home with a terminal prognosis.

With limited time left, I made the heartfelt decision to return to South Africa to be with my family and friends. I needed my young children to be surrounded by love during this difficult time. After several series of alternative chemotherapy to “buy more time”, the medical team delivered a glimmer of hope with news of me being in remission.

This means that a bone marrow transplant is on the table again with a chance of seeing my children growing up. Due to our return to South Africa, I was unable to access any medical aid due to my condition and left us with no option other than personally fund my treatment. Without the ability to work or any major financial backup, your support and donations are vital, no matter the amount. This will limit the financial effect on family's future. Please, consider joining us in this fight for my life. Your help is a beacon of hope in our darkest hour.

*All Donations are Managed within the secure BackaBuddy Platform.

Donations Conversion Approx NZD $1.00 = Approx Rand R10.00

Katinka, Facing Cancer with Courage – and Your Help

I am facing cancer with all the courage I can muster, but I can’t do it alone. Your help can make a significant difference in this fight.

Every Contribution Brings Me Closer to my Transplant

Life Saving Transplant: Each donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to funding the bone marrow transplant that could save my life.

Your Generosity is the Key to My Second Chance at Life

Your generosity could be the key that unlocks a second chance at life for me, allowing me more time with my children and loved ones.

You Can Change the Course of My Fight Against Cancer

Your support can change the course of my battle against this disease, giving me the opportunity to continue fighting and hoping for a brighter future.

Help Me Fight for a Future with My Family

Every Donation Brings Us Closer to Hope: Every donation not only brings us closer to the necessary funds but also fills us with hope for a future together as a family.

A Glimmer of Hope

Miraculously, a new chemotherapy treatment has put me into remission, and I now have the opportunity to undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant. However, as we do not have medical aid in South Africa, we need to fund this extremely expensive procedure ourselves.

How You Can Help

Your support is vital in making this transplant possible and giving me more time with my children. No matter the amount, every donation brings us closer to our goal. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with family and friends who might be able to help.

Katinka is doing very well - 01 November 2024

Katinka is doing very well and start feeling better each week. She will be returning home for only 2 weeks on Tuesday, 5 Nov, for the first time after her transplant around 2 months ago. This is absolutely great news and the spirits are high in our house. Thanks again for everyone’s support over this difficult time.

We just received great news!!! - 23 October 2024

Katinka had her first bone marrow Biopsy last week and heard today that there is no sign of cancer/Leukemia cells in her blood. This Biopsy will be repeated within the next 6 weeks and then, if positive again, every 6 months. It also looks like she can return home next week for 2 weeks.

She also got rid of a nasty lung infection that plagued her for weeks. Thanks again for everyone’s support!!! Regards. Hugo and van Niekerk family.

Update - It's Katinka's Birthday - 3 September 2024

It is Katinka’s 55th birthday today and first week of her procedure. She will have chemo for 7 days, rest 1 day and then start with the bone marrow transplant. She is feeling strong and positive. Thanks for all the support. Love. The Hugo & van Niekerk family.

Update from Katinka Hugo - 16 August 2024

With this I would like to use the opportunity to thank all donors for their generous contributions to date.

It is highly appreciated by Katinka and our family.

Katinka is very nervous but in very high spirits. We’ve been notified recently that her procedure will start on 28 August if all goes according to plan.

She will be in a specialized unit in Cape Town for 2 months and then must stay close to the facility for another 2 months. Thanks again for assisting us on this very tough journey.

Regards.

The Hugo & Van Niekerk family.

Update - 19 September 2024

Dr’s extremely happy with Katinka’s blood counts. She is in day 13 after transplant and will be dismissed from the hospital tomorrow if all goes well. This is absolutely fantastic news, and the road to total recovery is open again!!!! She is still feeling terrible but improving every day. We are all busy packing to go visit her in Cape Town for the school holidays. Around a 5-hour drive. You can just imagine her spirit currently.

Thanks again for everyone’s support.

Katinka Hugo - From Heartbreak to Hope

Help Us Fund a Life-Saving Bone Marrow Transplant: We have journeyed from heartbreak to a glimmer of hope. Help us turn that hope into reality by funding this life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Donate Today

Your support can make all the difference. Please consider making a donation today to help fund my bone marrow transplant. Together, we can turn despair into a story of survival and love.