16-05-2025
Wife walks from Jozi to Cape Town to raise awareness for hubby
Nicole Liedemann-Telukram is currently on her way from Johannesburg to Cape Town – on her feet. In an inspiring effort to shine a spotlight on her husband's rare, debilitating disease, the devoted wife is taking on the gruelling walk and aims to reach Cape Town in 45 days.
As reported by Cape Town Etc , the 37-year-old woman began her 1 400km journey 16 days ago, determined to raise awareness and funds for Dercum's Disease, a condition that has left her husband, Shaun (Sathish), in constant pain and unable to work.
In 2021, after many years of misdiagnoses, he was officially diagnosed with Dercum's Disease – a rare illness which affects fewer than 200 000 recorded cases globally.
Through a bit of research, the couple then stumbled upon Dr Karen Herbst, an expert in Dercum's Disease based in California.
The doctor explained that Dercum's was a genetic condition that could potentially affect their children as well.
Dr. Herbst promised the couple that if they could raise the money, she would do gene testing and modelling work in order to assist in finding a cure.
Liedemann-Telukram then set the goal of raising R10 million on BackaBuddy , in the hopes of finding the funds for the work that needs to be done.
The brave wife and mother has already been walking for 16 days, accompanied by her best friend, Neo Paballo-Mahao, who drives a safety vehicle, and their dog Zaza.
The journey has been tough so far, but also heartwarming, as many strangers have offered guesthouse stays and home-cooked meals along the way.
She is set to reach Cape Town by June.
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