Latest news with #GivenGain
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Bellville mom's bid to summit Kilimanjaroin aid of fight against GBV
Mount Kilimanjaro Image: Supplied A Cape Town mother of two and wellness coach has set off to summit Mount Kilimanjaro this week, not for personal glory but to raise awareness and funds for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Leonie Viljoen, from Boston, Bellville, has survived abuse twice in her life. She started her ascent of Africa's highest peak on Wednesday as part of a group of eight climbers. The eight-day trek is part of a campaign in support of 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organisation focused on creating safe spaces and support structures for women affected by GBV. Leonie Viljoen Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'This is not about the thrill or the photo at the summit,' said Viljoen. 'I climb for the women who have endured pain deeper than any crevasse on that mountain." Viljoen said each step she takes will be dedicated to survivors of abuse who are often silenced or ignored. 'Each step I take is for the woman silenced by fear. For the girl told her pain is private. For the survivor who wakes up every day and chooses to keep going. The altitude will test my body, but it's their stories that weigh on my heart. And it's their strength that will push me higher. 'Many women suffer sexual abuse and don't know what their rights are, or what appropriate and meaningful next steps should look like. "The trauma often drives them into despair rather than into a space where they can report it. That is where an organisation like 1000 Women Trust is enormously helpful.' She said the trust has been a lifeline to many women through trauma training and its GBV Warriors initiative, which creates community-based structures that offer support, safety and empowerment. Viljoen encouraged the public to support her efforts by donating through her GivenGain page, with all proceeds going to the organisation. The fundraising page can be found at She also called on women across South Africa to take part in a virtual walk in solidarity. Participants are invited to run, walk or cycle 5895 metres, matching Kilimanjaro's elevation at a location and time of their choosing. They can register by emailing intern@ Participants in the virtual event will receive a 1000 Women Trust T-shirt and a token of recognition for their involvement. Cape Argus
The South African
09-06-2025
- The South African
NSRI calls on South Africans to 'take the plunge' this winter solstice
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is inviting ocean lovers – and those brave enough – to take a dip for a worthy cause this winter solstice, Saturday, 21 June – the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice Plunge encourages South Africans to dive into icy waters – whether it's the ocean, a tidal pool, a dam, a swimming pool, or even an ice bucket – to to raise vital funds for the NSRI's lifesaving operations and water safety education. 'NSRI volunteers are on duty 365 days a year, including the coldest, darkest ones,' the organisation said. 'Now, we're asking the public to embrace the spirit of our volunteers and take the plunge in solidarity.' Participants can create personal fundraising campaigns via GivenGain under the 'Winter Solstice Swim 2025' page, and encourage others to join or donate. Last year, Wilderness volunteer Jané Botha raised R47 500 solo – a benchmark the NSRI hopes to beat in 2025. Safety is key, and the NSRI reminds participants to: Never swim alone Avoid rough seas Always use a flotation device Know who to call in an emergency To get started: Pick a date, time, and location for your plunge Visit GivenGain and search 'Winter Solstice Swim 2025' Click 'Start Fundraising' Share your plunge journey far and wide Whether you're in it for the adrenaline, the health perks, or to support lifesaving work, every rand raised helps save lives. For more info, visit the NSRI Community Fundraising page, or contact (021) 434 4011 / renee@ Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nashua native, cancer survivor Tejeda, 23, running Boston Marathon for Mass. General Hospital
WHEN Nathanael 'Smiley' Tejeda got to know Dave Jurewicz, he realized that they have a lot in common. They're around the same age. Tejeda, a Nashua native, is 23, and Jurewicz recently turned 20. Jurewicz studies at Springfield College, where Tejeda got his undergraduate degree in exercise science. They also have the same oncologist. Jurewicz recently finished his treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) for Hodgkin lymphoma, the same kind of cancer that Tejeda had. Tejeda was diagnosed at MGH with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in 2019 at age 17. Now cancer-free, Tejeda is partnered with Jurewicz through MGH for the April 21st Boston Marathon. Tejeda is running Boston — it will be his first-ever marathon — as part of MGH's marathon team. Jurewicz will cheer Tejeda on with the other MGH runners' patient partners near Mile 20 in Newton, Mass., which comes just before Heartbreak Hill. 'I think, for me, it was really cool to just hang out with him and kind of show him, hey, man, life after treatment is not the end,' Tejeda said. 'You can honestly go on and continue to live your life and be the person you want to be. There's no holding back from what you are.' Tejeda graduated from Springfield College last year. The Nashua South graduate is now working on his master's degree in exercise physiology with a focus on cancer research at the University of North Carolina. With fewer than two weeks until the Boston Marathon, Tejeda has raised more than $11,000 for MGH on his GivenGain webpage. Tejeda, who got the nickname 'Smiley' from one of his Pee Wee football teammates because of his upbeat attitude, was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at MGH, where he also received his treatment. Then in his senior year at South, Tejeda learned he had cancer the day after he reached the quarterfinals in the 195-pound weight class at the wrestling NHIAA Meet of Champions. A few days before the meet, Tejeda discovered a golf-ball sized lump on his neck. 'I was kind of in shock,' Tejeda said. 'I didn't really fully understand at the time the severity of it all but knew that it was a big deal, and my family was very impacted by the whole situation.' Tejeda, who also played football and baseball at South, didn't let cancer affect his signature 'Smiley' demeanor. Purple Panthers baseball coach James Gaj still remembers how Tejeda told him about having to miss the season that spring. 'He sent me a text message,' Gaj said, 'and it said, 'Coach, I just want to let you know some of the good and some the bad — the bad news is I'm not going to be playing baseball because I was diagnosed with cancer. The good news is I caught it early.' His exact words were, 'I'm Gucci (good) — not to worry about it. I've never met anybody that had cancer and tell me that they're Gucci.' Tejeda, a defensive end/offensive guard in football and third baseman/outfielder in baseball at South, never liked running. He has always been more of a weightlifter. But being a patient partner for Eva Melanson, who ran the Boston Marathon on MGH's team in 2019, inspired him to do the same with the hospital that helped him beat cancer. 'I've said it a few times before to my family and my friends — this really is that full-circle moment of having been on the other side,' Tejeda said, 'and now I get to be on the flip side of this whole entire experience and really finish it off in the right way.' Tejeda started his marathon training late last year and at one point was running between 30 and 40 miles per week. He ran his first half-marathon last April. 'Hopefully this won't be my last marathon,' Tejeda said. 'Hopefully this is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life.' Scott Knight, who was Tejeda's football coach at South, wasn't surprised when he learned Tejeda was running the marathon in an effort to help others. When Tejeda was going through his cancer treatment, he met with Make-A-Wish. For his Make-A-Wish options, he could have met a childhood hero or gone on a nice trip, Knight noted. Instead, Tejeda had Make-A-Wish upgrade the South weight room. 'This is 'Smiley' to a T,' Knight said. 'He could have done anything ... but he chose to do something that would benefit others.' That outlook led Tejeda to pursue his studies at UNC. Tejeda knew he wanted to major in exercise science when he got to Springfield College. Because of his own experience, Tejeda realized while at Springfield that he wanted to work with cancer survivors and current cancer patients, using exercise to improve their quality of life. Tejeda was drawn to North Carolina in part because of the school's exercise oncology research laboratory. 'He cares more about helping others than himself,' Gaj said of Tejeda. 'He's one of the most selfless people I've ever met in my life.' ahall@
