When it comes to health, few words weigh heavier than “cancer” or “stroke.” But through the incredible support of Hot Cares and your donations to the annual Teddython, stories of hardship are transforming into stories of hope.

At the heart of it all is Rainbows and Smiles—a community-driven organisation founded by Bonita Suckling in honour of her son, Jed, who lost his life to brain cancer. Rather than let grief consume her, Bonita chose to turn her pain into purpose. What began with simple acts of kindness—like giving gifts to kids in the ward—has grown into a nationwide network of emotional, social, and financial support for families navigating childhood cancer.

From arranging transport for families to hospital visits, to delivering joy in the form of toys, treats, and bell-ringing ceremonies that mark the end of treatment, Rainbows and Smiles offers more than support—they offer dignity, fun, and hope.

“We always say, ‘Ring it so loud the angels can hear it,’” Bonita said. “Thanks to Hot Cares, we could make those celebrations unforgettable.”

Last year, Hot Cares and Silverstar donated R20,000 to help Rainbows and Smiles continue this life-changing work. That funding helped cover essential medical transport, funded celebratory gifts, and provided emotional relief during the hardest days of treatment. It’s the kind of help that bridges the gap between treatment and humanity.

Rainbows and Smiles remains the heart of this campaign—but two more remarkable health journeys remind us why your donations matter.

Sam’s path to recovery

Samantha, once a fearless cancer activist and founder of Campaigning for Cancer, faced a devastating stroke earlier this year. Having once fought her way through a landmark medical aid court case, Sam now battles for her own mobility and independence. Thanks to Hot Cares, Sam and her husband received the gift of a full-time caregiver—critical to her speech and physical recovery. Her heartfelt voice note says it all:

“I’ve started walking. And as you can hear—my speech is doing A-okay!”

Caleb’s fight to move forward

Then there’s Caleb, a brave 16-year-old whose world was turned upside down by a diagnosis of bone cancer. When doctors confirmed that amputation was the only way to save his life, Caleb made the courageous decision to give up his leg—but never his hope. His mother, Natasha, gave up her job to care for him full-time, and Hot Cares stepped in to help ease their financial strain, covering her salary so she could focus entirely on his recovery.

Through our partnership with Jumping Kids, Caleb received a high-quality prosthesis—and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s walking again, getting stronger by the day, and beginning to rediscover the rhythm of a normal teenage life. His quiet determination and resilience have not only moved his family and doctors, but everyone who’s heard his story.

Caleb reminds us all that health challenges don’t have to define the future—especially when a community of care is behind you.

Your Teddython donations make stories like these possible—turning fear into hope, and hardship into healing, one family at a time.