Nicole Telukram sets off from Alberton on 1 800km walk for a cause
A Brackendowns mom has taken the first step of her 1 800km walk from Alberton to Cape Town - all in the name of love, awareness and hope for those affected by rare diseases.
Determined to make a difference for those affected by rare illnesses, 37-year-old Nicole Telukram has embarked on an 1 800km walk from the Brackendowns SAPS to Cape Town.
Her mission is to raise awareness and funds for Dercum’s disease (a rare disorder causing painful, fatty growths to appear under the skin) and support people born with disabilities.
Family, friends and community members gathered at the Brackendowns SAPS on April 30 to see off Nicole and show their support as she set off on her month-long journey.
Joining her are Brackendowns CPF member Charles Norman, friend Pabello Mahoa and her loyal boerboel, Zaza.
While Norman will only accompany Nicole part of the way due to work commitments, Mahoa will escort her throughout the route to ensure her safety.
Nicole’s courageous decision to do this walk comes from a deeply personal place. Her husband, Sathish Telukram, was diagnosed with Dercum’s disease in May 2021.
Sathish is only the fourth known case in SA, where the condition remains largely unknown. Globally, just 200 000 people are diagnosed with Dercum’s disease.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Nicole admitted. “I wanted to give up and not continue with my walk because no people came forward to support me. But I’m glad I didn’t. We’re a small voice and trying to be loud as thunder.”
Her journey to Cape Town, expected to last 30 days, will take her through Vereeniging, Bloemfontein, Colesberg, and Beaufort West.
Nicole will share updates along the way on her social media pages, hoping her walk inspires awareness and empathy for those fighting rare diseases.
She aims to raise R500 000 for research into Dercum’s disease and urges the public to support her any way they can – through financial donations, sponsorships or items like caps, trainers or socks.
Those wishing to contribute or get involved can contact Nicole on 074 454 5848, 083 617 1434 or dercumsfamily@gmail.com
Nicole hopes to conclude her journey in mid-June at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town – a symbolic end to a mission driven by love and the hope for change.
