Singer-songwriter and TV host, Unathi Nkayi has expressed her gratitude to fellow South Africans. After helping raise over R150 000 for her childhood friend Pinda Potelwa who is fighting stage 4 cancer.
“Thank you Mzantsi from the bottom of our hearts ♥️ Thank You,” Nkayi wrote on Instagram.
Pinda’s family appealed to Mzansi for help through a crowdfunding initiative “Back A Buddy” for her medical assistance.
Potelwa was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 4, in December 2021. The former “Idols SA” judge took to her social media page, asking her fans and followers to help with donations towards Potelwa’s treatment for cancer.
Nkayi wrote: “Tears are rolling down my cheeks as I type this. My chest is wet. She’s not just a Buddy she’s my high school friend and hockey buddy Phinda who has stage IV Cancer and is fighting for her life. Please help us raise funds for her treatment and donate whatever you can. Please go to the BackABuddy website and pledge anything if you have the means to do so.”
Stage 4 cancer, as reported usually can’t be cured. But treatment can help to prolong survival and improve the quality of life. Fund-raising platforms such as “Back A Buddy” have seen many South Africans get much-needed financial aid.
In the previous year, South Africans helped nearly R1.5 million for Kaya FM host Dr Sindi van Zyl, who was diagnosed with Covid-19.
The fundraising target was originally R150 000, at the time of writing, the amount is nearly R160 000. Potewela’s BackABuddy page describes her cancer journey and the road to fighting the disease.
“Pinda started chemotherapy in January 2022 and upon completion, moved on to endocrine therapy. By mid-September 2022 her pleural effusion had not subsided and Pinda was advised to start a second line of chemo. She has valiantly started chemotherapy again, but tumour marker test results from a week ago showed a shocking increase in disease prevalence. As a family, we are shattered but determined to help Pinda in her fight for the improvement of her quality of life.
“We have investigated the possibilities of an integrative approach including the therapeutic targeting of cancer pathways. We need to give this approach a try because Pinda’s disease continues uncontrolled, despite conventional treatment.
Research hints that it’s more effective to combine these treatments so this leaves us with a limited window i.e. while Pinda is on second-line chemo,” the statement reads.
So it is believed that the therapeutic targeting of cancer pathways is an approach that could help Pinda. A speedy recovery to Pinda!