Old Boys from Highlands North are banding together to make a life-saving act of kindness possible for one of their own— David Myers—as he faces a battle that’s shaken his life:
Johannesburg, South Africa (12 December 2023) — In a heartwarming example of a bond that’s stood the test of time, old boys from Highlands North are banding together for a life-saving act of kindness for one of their own.
While the men’s schooldays may be far behind them, many have not forgotten each other, especially during life’s most trying moments.
One such series of trying moments began happening in David Myers’ recent life. Fighting tuberculosis has been a long, arduous battle that has taken over 35 kilograms from his body and months of his life spent in illness as he entered his fifties.
What began as tuberculosis of the bladder in late 2022 worsened significantly as David was only diagnosed earlier this year. Those eleven months of not having a proper TB diagnosis meant that his bladder was destroyed to the point of needing a permanent catheter. Not to mention the chronic pain, impact on his kidneys and heart, and having a stent in his ureter. And, the months in hospital from cardiology to nephrology wards.
“I have always been an active, healthy, hard-working person up until this disease entered my life,” the former rugby player shares, reflecting on the contrasting life he now lives in; where walking a few meters is a struggle.
“I am not sure what the future holds for my health. I might pull through and I might not. I have chosen to share this journey publicly, notwithstanding I was raised very differently. It has taken a lot for me to share my current condition and story,” he adds.
But, David’s story is not over. And, thanks to the Old Boys of Highlands North, a complete life change could write his next chapter.
The lads know that David needs life-saving surgery that’ll either require bladder augmentation or its removal. Revered for his kindness, they have decided to rally as much kindness in his favour as possible, and have helped raise over R114 000 at the time of this article’s writing.
This is a huge chunk that’ll go toward the medical fees and is a remarkable feat considering his campaign was only launched in November.
Should David get the surgery and become well again, he shares that it’ll be his aim to dedicate his life to serving those who need help getting treatment and raising awareness around TB.
“The illness has highlighted to me how fragile one’s health is and how so very quickly things can change with life-altering and life-ending consequences; a message I now carry forward to others when I can.”—David Myers.
Anyone who can assist with a random act of kindness for David can find his campaign here.
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