Their story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, light can return… especially when it comes from the hands of those we’ve helped.
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 October 2025) – Sometimes, life introduces us to people whose kindness quietly changes the world around them. They’re the first to help, the first to give, the first to comfort and they do it without expecting anything in return. Johannes and Pat Uys are those people.
For years, they’ve carried others through hardship with grace and compassion. But today, it’s they who need carrying.
The Uys family has faced an unimaginable series of heartbreaks. The kind that would leave most people shattered. In December 2021, they lost their daughter, Maryke, a beloved minister who tragically choked during a wedding ceremony. Barely a year later, in November 2022, their son, Dirko, passed away after a sudden asthma attack. Not long after that, Pat’s mother also passed and the couple had to sell their farm and move into town just to stay afloat.
And then, as if the heartbreak hadn’t already been heavy enough, life dealt them another cruel blow.
In December 2024, Johannes fell and injured his hip. He now lives with constant pain and relies on crutches to move around. Because doctors can’t agree on whether the injury resulted from the fall or natural wear and tear, the medical aid has refused to cover the cost of his operation. While trying to support him through that, Pat’s own health began to fail. A CT scan revealed a 2–3 cm brain tumour. She underwent surgery on 30 September, and the results confirmed the worst: a grade 4 glioma. She now faces chemotherapy and radiation.
Yet through every loss, every diagnosis, and every sleepless night, Johannes and Pat have remained anchored in faith and hope.
“They still believe in everything good,” their friends say. “Even when it feels like the ground has disappeared beneath them, they choose kindness.”
Johannes, who chairs the local church council, has always been deeply involved in community projects. Pat, known for her soft heart and quiet strength, has been a source of comfort to countless people who’ve crossed her path. Together, they’ve uplifted others for decades, now the community is returning the favour.
A BackaBuddy campaign was launched to help ease their financial strain, and in just two days, South Africans have already raised over R200,000 of the R300,000 goal. Each donation, message and prayer is helping them take one more step forward.
Their story is a reminder of something deeply South African: that when we show up for one another, even the heaviest burdens become lighter.
Johannes and Pat have given so much of themselves to others. And now, surrounded by a community that refuses to let them stand alone, they’re finally learning what it feels like to be held by the same kindness they’ve always given so freely.
**At the time of publishing our original article, the Crowdfund amounted to R200,450; that number has since increased to R203,450.
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