Reverend Barry Fourie, a dedicated servant of the Lord throughout his life, now faces a devastating health crisis. His daughter, Minki, has set up a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of cancer treatment, which is essential for his survival.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (23 September 2024) – Diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that requires treatment that is financially out of reach, the life of a devoted servant of the Lord, Reverend Barry Fourie’s life hangs in the balance.
Fourie and his family learned of his condition earlier this year when he had travelled to Stellenbosch to marry his daughter Minki and her husband, Leonard.
“Upon arrival, we noticed he wasn’t well. After intensive tests, scans and a huge operation to remove a tumour (15 x 10 x 10cm) he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, called, Myofibroblastic Sarcoma.
“After more intensive tests and consultations with his oncologist and medical team, a specialised targeted therapy treatment has been recommended called immunotherapy,” Minki shares.
Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking treatment that uses a person’s own immune system to fight cancer, and it can help Minki’s father’s body fight the aggressive disease.
“It’s his best chance at survival, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Importantly the tests confirmed that he is a 100% match candidate for immunotherapy, indicating a high likelihood of success!”
Reverend Fourie needs to receive 18 bags of immunotherapy, each bag costs R80,000, totalling R1,440,000 – a devastating financial burden for the Fourie family.
Minki has set up a Back-a-Buddy page to help raise funds for the treatment. She further explained that a new sarcoma had been identified on her father’s latest CT scan, two months post-operation.
Despite lifelong contributions to a reputable South African Medical aid company, on a good plan, they refused to cover this life-saving treatment.
“We’re continuing to appeal this decision, but we can’t afford to wait as the cancer grows. Our initial goal as suggested by his oncologist is to fund four bags (R320,000) for the first round of treatment, after which we will reassess progress.”
A disheartened Minki expressed feeling like the healthcare system is broken, questioning how lifesaving treatment could be so expensive and out of reach of most people?
Now at 73, Fourie has dedicated most of his life to serving the community and spreading the Gospel and has shown immense compassion and love to everyone he has met.
Minki is reaching out for support in the form of prayers and financial contributions for her dad.
“The road ahead is uncertain, but with your help, we can fight for his life.”
To make a donation visit https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/get-barry-to-18-bags-of-immunotherapy
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 