Culture & Society | Vryburg — The Vryburg community is being called to stand with Sintesh Lala (30) as he fights stage 3 rectal cancer and raises funds for urgent, life-saving care.

Lala has documented a 1 488-day battle marked by aggressive chemo-radiation, repeated transfusions, tumour regrowth and long, painful trips to treatment centres in Klerksdorp/Kimberley from his home in Vryburg. After beginning FOLFOX chemotherapy (8 sessions) to shrink the tumour, doctors plan an abdominoperineal (AP) resection to stop internal bleeding and prevent spread. Surgery dates at public facilities have repeatedly fallen through due to ICU constraints.

“I’m still fighting to live,” Lala writes. “Your kindness—no matter how big or small—can truly save my life.”

What he needs

• Target: R200 000

• Purpose: Private hospital surgery + ICU, ongoing chemotherapy, and recovery closer to care

How to help (right now)

1. Donate on BackaBuddy:

👉 https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/a-fight-for-life-and-hope-against-cancer

2. Follow & share weekly updates:

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16m7ijpdvn/

3. Spread the word: Share the link in family and church WhatsApp groups, workplaces, and community forums.

4. Check in on the family: Offers of transport, meals, or airtime/data go a long way during chemo weeks.

His journey at a glance

• 14 Mar 2023: Diagnosed with an 8 cm tumour obstructing 95% of the rectum; chemo-radiation reduced the mass, but it regrew to 8 cm in recent months.

• 11–15 Aug 2025: Three blood transfusions; colonoscopy confirms regrowth; chemo portimplanted.

• Sept 2025: Ongoing severe bleeding (further transfusions), bowel incontinence, debilitating pain and fatigue, weight loss (80 kg → 49 kg).

• Oct 2025: On FOLFOX (3-week cycles: 1 day IV, 14 days oral, 7 days rest). Session 3 began Mon, 20 Oct.

• Next step (urgent): AP resection; permanent colostomy expected and accepted by patient as his best path to survival.

Why this matters to our district

For many in Dr RSM, specialist care is 200–340 km away. When delays hit the public system, community solidarity—small donations, lifts, prayer chains—often becomes the difference between waiting and receiving time-critical care.

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Donate Here 👇🏻

Join the effort

If you read this far, please click to donate and follow his updates. Every share widens the circle of help.

• Donate: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/a-fight-for-life-and-hope-against-cancer

• Follow updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/16m7ijpdvn/

Editor’s note: This community appeal is published to mobilise support. Verify links before donating, keep proof of payment, and share the campaign responsibly.

-The VIP Team

-Back a Buddy

–Sintesh Lala