Alison update
Photo Credit: Alison Botha

Even when she can’t inspire herself, Alison Botha’s resilience moves mountains. Although recovery from her recent brain surgery has unexpectedly depleted her strength, Alison’s inner resilience, fuelled by the support and empathy of South Africans, has given her every reason to hold on.

 

South Africa (11 July 2025) – Alison Botha is one of those incredibly resilient humans who have overcome the most brutal and undeserving of ordeals, but still radiate awe-inspiring strength and humankindness.

Good Things Guy previously shared how Alison faced a significant feat after she suffered a brain aneurysm, which led to brain surgery and a lot of time in the hospital. She has been quietly recovering from the intense procedure, taking each day as it comes, some harder than she’d like to admit.

“As a positive person and an inspirational speaker, I find this hard to admit, I can’t even inspire myself at the moment, which is very frightening,” Alison shares in an update to her supporters.

“And it is only when you are depleted of all your strength and reserves that you recognise your weaknesses. I know from experience that I WILL recover from this too, but I need to accept that it takes time.”

But even in her uphill battle to recovery, her enduring spirit remains alive and her gratitude to those in her corner, her reason to hold on.

Alison extended her appreciation to all the “lovely, special people” who have dug deep to generously contribute to ensuring she has a roof over her head and to cover her therapy, treatments, medical procedures and medication. It is that very kindness and generosity that has kept her going.

She further encouraged others going through tough trials to keep pushing forward.

“Lovely, special people – may whatever you are going through be short-lived and may you take courage from the fact that it is only a ‘patch’. What is wonderful about a ‘patch’ is that you enter on one side – often unexpectedly – but if you keep going – despite the weight and depression of it – there will come a time when you miraculously exit on the other side. Patches always have an end – so take heart and keep moving. Joy, enthusiasm and happiness are at the other end of the patch – for you, for me, and for everyone like us,” Alison says.

She considers herself lucky to have the support of compassionate South Africans, rooting for her and reminding her to believe in herself.

“I’m reminded of a quote I once read: that when you can’t see a ‘way out’ of how you’re feeling, to remember all the times before when you survived, which is 100% of the time!

“I WILL be ok!”

Alison, your light continues to inspire, even as you move through your “patch” towards finding your joy again.


Sources: Alison Botha
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About the Author

Nothando is a writer for Good Things Guy.
She's passionate about crafting stories that celebrate the triumphs of everyday heroes and the beautiful moments that restore faith in humanity. When she isn’t at her desk, she is sure to be found running after her bouncy toddler, exploring new food spots, or soaking in tranquil beach views.

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