When nine-year-old Zelnay Liebenberg’s family shared her wish list, they hoped a few dreams might come true. Instead, South Africans fulfilled every single wish in just 12 hours.
Brakpan, South Africa (23 June 2026) – No parent ever imagines reaching the point where a bucket list replaces a treatment plan. Yet that is the heartbreaking reality facing nine-year-old Zelnay Liebenberg and her family. And while her story carries immense sadness, it has also revealed something extraordinary about the kindness that lives in South Africa.
Yesterday, the team from “Arms of Mercy“, a charity that supports children facing serious illnesses, shared a simple wish list on behalf of Zelnay. There were no extravagant requests. Instead, the list reflected the dreams of a little girl who still finds joy in life’s special moments: a visit to Gold Reef City, a family holiday, a Build-A-Bear experience, new clothes and shoes, a spa day, meeting her favourite singer Dirk van der Westhuizen, and a few fun treats including a popcorn machine and slushie machine.
The post explained that after a long and courageous battle against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), Zelnay had reached a point where there were no further treatment options available. Rather than spending her remaining time focused on procedures and hospital visits, the goal was to fill her days with love, laughter and memories.
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.
Within just 12 hours, South Africans had stepped forward to fulfil every single wish on the list.
For many across the country, Zelnay’s story is one they have followed for more than a year. The young Brakpan girl first captured hearts with her gentle spirit and bright smile after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in April 2025.
What followed was a gruelling medical journey that no child should ever have to endure. She underwent invasive procedures, blood transfusions, aggressive chemotherapy and lengthy hospital stays at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Despite the challenges, those who met her often spoke about her kindness and ability to keep smiling through circumstances that would overwhelm most adults.
Last year, her family shared their story in the hope of raising funds for treatment. When the cancer returned earlier this year, the situation became even more urgent. Doctors advised that specialised immunotherapy and a stem cell transplant offered the best chance of survival, but the costs ran into millions of rand.
South Africans responded then too, sharing her story, donating what they could and holding onto hope alongside her family.
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The family made the difficult decision to bring her home.
Surrounded by her parents, brother and loved ones, Zelnay is now spending her days where every child deserves to be: in the comfort of home, wrapped in love.
When Arms of Mercy shared her wish list this week, they hoped a few dreams might come true. Instead, South Africans arrived in force.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Karin, founder of Arms of Mercy, said the response has left them overwhelmed with gratitude.
“The outpouring of love for Zelnay has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
“We are truly in awe of the incredible angels who have surrounded Zelnay with so much love and kindness. What started as a wish list has become a collection of beautiful memories, thanks to each and every person who opened their hearts to this precious little warrior. Because of your generosity, almost every wish on Zelnay’s list has been fulfilled.”
In less than a day, complete strangers ensured that Zelnay would experience every adventure she had hoped for. The memories start being made from today.
For a little girl whose smile has inspired so many people, South Africa has made sure the days ahead will be filled with moments worth smiling about.
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