Amanzimtoti swimmer dives in to raise funds for childhood cancer
The foundation and G9 joined created an updated page for Mica to raise funds in South African Rands.
A young swimmer is raising funds for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every September, Mica Botha works to spread awareness and support childhood cancer. “When I was a baby I was very sick and in the hospital a lot. At one stage our doctor tested me for leukemia and my mom told me what a stressful time it was. I felt very blessed when the tests came back negative. I am now a teenager and healthy, except for suffering with asthma,and so grateful for my health that I want to do something for children with cancer and help in some way.
“Treatments used for grown-ups do not work for children. I support the Beat Childhood Cancer Foundation, because they do the research and find ways to make every treatment specific for children, while Gold in September (G9) raises funds the researchers need to find a cure. In South Africa, I support the CHOC Cows, as they raise funds locally. We are the next generation and we should set an example to others by supporting these worthy causes, so I try to think of ways to spread the word and create awareness.”
This year Mica received some unexpected support from Pacer swimwear that gave her a gold cap to train in for G9. “We post photos and talk about it on Instagram (@mica_botha) and Facebook (@micabotha), as that is where I reach most of my friends. I also share the latest news from Beat Childhood Cancer and G9 as they release it, so we all stay up to date.”
Her and her mother Marinda started creating awareness by handing out gold ribbons at the KZN Junior Champs gala from 2016. “This year would have been my last junior champs as it is for swimmers 13-years-and-under. I am now 13 and feel a bit sad that the event will not take place due to lockdown. The gala is the official opening of the swimming season and we swim this mostly in September, which always fitted in well with G9, our gold ribbons and creating awareness.
READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti swimmer splashes into SA squad
My mom and I loved handing out the ribbons every year for the past four years. Many people asked if they can pay R5 towards the ribbons, but we never took any money for it, as it would have amounted to next to nothing due to the exchange rate and bank fees.”
With social distancing, they cannot hand out ribbons this year, but request that those who are able to, donate something on her new page. The foundation and G9 joined forces this year and created an updated page for Mica on the Beatcc.org website to raise funds in South African Rands, which replaces her Everyday Hero page that raised funds in US Dollars.
“I have donated my pocket money for August and September towards the foundation and challenge other children to donate theirs or part of. I will gladly do my chores without payment, because I know this could save someone’s life. No amount is too small or too big – it’s all just about what you can afford. The funds go direct to Beatcc.org and G9.
Feel free to share my page, if you cannot donate – you will make a contribution towards awareness that way. We appreciate your support!” To donate, visit www.beatcc.org/monica-botha. Highlight the default amount on the page and change it to the amount that you wish to donate.
READ ALSO: Delicious treats in Amanzimtoti to assist the fight against childhood cancer
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