My name is Liza, and I am raising urgent funds for Riaan Bernardo, a hard-working contractor from Cape Town's Northern Suburbs.
Riaan is a self-made, independent businessman who handles maintenance, painting, and structural repairs for local estate agencies. He is a hands-on man who does all the heavy lifting and physical labor on his own. He is used to being the backbone of his household and his business. Tragically, a spinal injury has brought his life to a grinding halt.
The Crisis
Riaan underwent a back operation in 2011. While it gave him many good years, the structural issues have returned with a vengeance. Today, even advanced cortisone and heavy painkillers do nothing to ease the agony. Every single morning is a brutal struggle just to get out of bed. Because his work is entirely physical, he is actively losing his ability to perform the jobs that sustain his livelihood.
Due to heavy financial obligations, Riaan simply cannot afford private medical aid at this stage. He is caught in a devastating cycle: he needs to work to survive, but his failing back is making it physically impossible to work.
Why We Must Avoid the State Hospital System
Because this is a complex revision surgery following his 2011 operation, we are deeply terrified of navigating the public state hospital system. With severe spinal issues, the risk of long waiting lists and potential surgical complications is incredibly high. We are terrified that any delays or standard public-sector complications could cause permanent nerve damage and affect his mobility even more severely, leaving him permanently disabled. We desperately need him to see a dedicated private specialist who can handle this delicate revision surgery safely and immediately.
The Target: R200,000
A specialist has confirmed that Riaan needs for an private spinal operation, which will cost approximately R200,000 all-inclusive (covering private hospital theater fees, surgeon fees, the anaesthetist, spinal hardware, and essential scans). Because we have zero upfront cash, this safe, private option is completely closed to us without this fundraising drive.
Our Transparency Promise to Donors
We understand that R200,000 is a massive mountain to climb, but every single Rand brings us closer to getting Riaan into the operating room safely. To give our donors absolute peace of mind, all funds raised through this campaign will be paid directly by BackaBuddy to the hospital, radiology practice, and treating specialists. No cash will go into personal bank accounts.
Please help us get this proud, hard-working man back on his feet so he can return to his business, support his family, and live a life free of paralyzing pain. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this link with your networks, local estate agencies, and property groups in Cape Town.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support.
