'Just shout if you need anything...'

That is the kind of thing that people say when they are trying to console someone who has been told terrible news. But the person is usually in shock and can't ever bring themselves round to asking for real help. So often flowers, food, and cards are a way of trying to make our own selves feel better and feel less helpless.
Cancer is an ugly word. It wreaks havoc wherever it goes. People have a universal fear of it, and a helplessness whenever faced with someone who has been given this life sentence with no parole. So many people have crossed it's devastating path, and so many people are left behind reeling in the after affects.
My sister has left behind a hollow dark space, where she once glowed. But the 'good' side to her having this illness on the other side of the globe is that her family was not left with huge medical bills, and expenses that wring out every last ounce of energy. Thanks to the British NHS, those money troubles were non existant.
However here on our stark piece of the planet, so many people are not so 'lucky'.
My friend is one of those.  In a world where so many generous kind people throw money at pink ribbons, cancer research and other charities, a person I love is faced with the prospect of not having enough money for whatever she needs.
Years ago I started up a women's network, primarily because she inspired me. A phenomenal, ordinary woman. Mother of twin boys, now divorced, she has faced life with a lightness of spirit always putting other people first. She makes the world around her lighter and all that come into her light can see it. Except she can't, because she is blind. That has never stopped her from doing much. She has even offered to drive my car when I kept stalling it!
Now, after losing a kidney and some of her colon last year, but sense of humour intact, she has found out that the cancer is now sitting in her liver and on her spine. She mentioned to me, that she would like to try complementary therapies, and asked about some things that I could help her with, but then she said 'of course, all these things cost money..'
This played over and over in my head as to how unfair life seems. She is facing a huge question mark over her life and she has to hold herself back, because of money. So I decided I would do what she can't bring herself to do.
Shout for help.
Money please.
Anything will do.

I know us South African's are hounded by people who want our hard earned cash. Put your car in reverse and there is an outstretched had. Stop at a traffic light and there's an outstretched hand, push your trolley to the car and there's an outstretched hand, go to church and there's an outstretched hand. Turn on the TV and there's an outstretched hand, admire a view anywhere and there's an outstretched hand. So I know that we are all 'given out'. Yet still I ask.
I have heard people say to beggars 'now don't spend it on booze/drugs/cigarettes' But if you give, you have to give unconditionally. After all people give primarily to make themselves feel better. If my friend wants to spend all/or any money that has been given to her on a new pair of shoes because it makes her feel better, then yey, good for her. If she wants to spend the money on having some fun with her 12 year old boys, then  yey. If she uses it to fund a homeopathic cure then yey. If she buys chocolate, then yey. But instead she sits and worries about how she is going to manage financially.

So dear people. I am asking you to help. Any amount will help. You can donate anonymously if you like, or give your name.
Her Bank details are:
K Teunen
FNB Clearwater
Branch code: 251141
Acc # 62059605314

I want to make up a website for her and others so you can donate directly via Paypal if you are overseas. I will keep you all posted.
Thanks in advance
lots and lots of love