Community quiz raises funds for Bruce’s recovery
While their medical aid has helped cover some costs, the family is now facing a financial shortfall that has put further treatment on hold.
Maxine Clark and her mother, Anthea, have stepped forward to ask for help in caring for their beloved grandfather, Bruce Clark, who is facing severe medical challenges.
To help ease this burden, the family has been fundraising. A quiz night was recently held at AJ’s Pub on Saturday, February 22, where community members came together to raise R3 080. Some of the donors are Andrew, the owner of AJ’s, the Westrand Music Academy, Sunrise Sweets, and Buccaneer Biltong & Bean.
“It’s been incredibly tough, especially with my mom and me both being teachers and unable to keep up with the mounting medical costs. My grandpa means the world to us, and we’ll do anything to ensure he gets the treatment he needs,” Maxine shared.
According to Maxine, Bruce’s health struggles began last year when sores on his back refused to heal, despite medical treatment. A doctor suggested that an underlying issue, possibly a form of skin cancer, was preventing recovery. While the family initially planned to have the sores treated in early 2025, an urgent visit to a haematologist revealed dangerously low iron and haemoglobin levels, indicating a more serious internal condition.
On January 7, Bruce was rushed to the ER, where he was admitted for further tests. A CT scan, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy revealed ulcers on his colon, a blocked artery, and the risk of gangrene – an extremely dangerous condition.
“The doctors found ulcers on his colon that were bleeding, and an artery was blocking the blood flow, which can lead to severe complications. It was a wake-up call for us,” Maxine explained.
“We are doing everything we can, but we need help from our community. The costs are overwhelming, and without assistance, we can’t move forward with his treatment,” added Maxine. Despite being teachers with limited resources, Maxine and Anthea are doing everything they can to ensure Bruce gets the care he needs.
They have detailed the medical costs, which include R5 523 for haematologist drips and transfusions , R24 261.89 for hospital stay, R13 443 for abdominal and pelvic scans, R5 811 for gastroscopy and colonoscopy, R1 599.50 for biopsy, and R6 000 for blood tests.
Maxine expressed her gratitude and said, “The quiz night was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of everyone involved. It’s heartwarming to see so many people care about my grandpa.”
However, more assistance is needed and a BackaBuddy campaign has been set up to gather additional donations, and every contribution – no matter the amount – brings Bruce one step closer to recovery.
“We are so thankful for every donation, no matter how big or small. It means the world to us, and it will make such a huge difference in my grandpa’s journey to recovery,” Maxine concluded.
Maxine and Anthea expressed that they are incredibly grateful for any help received and that they are also willing to share receipts and documents with anyone who would like verification before donating.
For those interested in contributing or learning more, contact Maxine on 061 913 7359 or Anthea on 082 752 3923 .
