Through its outreach programme Protect a Boy Child, the Brian Molapisane Foundation visits schools around Midrand to engage with young boys and offer emotional support.

During one of these impactful visits, the foundation met an 11-year-old boy who later shared the challenges he faced at home. This connection led the foundation to reach out to his mother, uncovering serious difficulties she was experiencing, particularly her battle with multiple myeloma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer that weakens the bones and the body.

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Molapisane, the founder of the foundation, said when the boy joined the programme, they were simply doing what they love, which is mentoring the youth and walking with them.

“But as we tried to understand him better, we reached out to the mother. That’s when we discovered something deeper… She’s currently battling multiple myeloma… Despite being declared medically unfit to work, she is still searching for employment to care for her sons and herself,” said Molapisane.

He shared that during their conversation, the mother disclosed, “I got diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2024 and immediately started chemotherapy. This is a blood cancer that destroys the bones. As a result, the cancer has spread to the pelvis, spine, entire left side of my body, skull, and ribs, causing me to require assistance with walking, sitting, bathing, and dressing.

‘…In all of this, I don’t have any form of support except for my boys, 11 years and 28 years, but the youngest is the one who assists the most with dressing and preparing meals, and this has been traumatic on him, causing him depression and behaviour issues at school and home. The biggest challenge is the financial and emotional impact this has on me and the children, she continued.

Molapisane pointed out the heavy emotional burden the situation has on the young boy. “He’s a bright young man, but the weight he carries is far beyond his years.”

The foundation is currently providing emotional support to the boy through its programmes. “While we have not yet made any material donations, we are actively raising awareness and mobilising support. The most urgent and important goal right now is to help his mother secure remote work, as her condition does not allow her to work outside the home,” Molapisane added.

Funds raised will directly address medical costs, daily essentials, support for the boy, and the necessary setup for remote work.

Those who would like to reach out to the family can contact Molapisane on 081 250 8505.

Back-a-buddy link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-a-brave-mom-fight-cancer-care-for-her-boy

Read the Mirdand Reporter to get more insights into the story.

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