Durban beggar Rusty given free IV treatments to help with his cancer

A Durban company has come to the assistance of a Morningside suburb beggar, Rusty Dewinnaar, who suffers from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

The owners of Limitless IV Therapy and Wellness, based in Sandile Thusi Road in the city, have offered Rusty IV treatments to help manage his pain and boost his immunity.

According to CEO Ebrahim Olgar Limitless is a first-of-its-kind international franchise of IV wellness.

It is the only global provider of an advanced range of therapies that introduce more than 18 variations of IV therapy, including a range of injectables that assist in disease and wellness, as well as aesthetics.

“Our shining star oncology infusion brings forth the evolving mission of Limitless. As a franchise, we have been mandated to offer 10 free IVs per month to people who can’t afford the treatment, such as those with cancer, HIV, diabetes or who are on dialysis,” he said.

Fatima Olgar said the franchise had been asked to source cancer patients to receive treatment, and it had struck her that they had the ideal candidate right on their doorstep.

Olgar said Rusty begs regularly on the island outside their business and they often sent out tea and biscuits to him.

“When we opened our doors I noticed him begging when I drove past. I could see he was ill but I hadn’t yet seen his sign explaining that he had cancer. Later I was standing on the balcony and noticed the sign and I sent our sisters down to talk to him,” she said.

The treatments are aimed at helping with pain relief and will replenish his body following chemotherapy.

The owners of Limitless in Morningside, Fatima and Ebrahim Olgar, with Rusty Dewinnaar.

“The treatments will help make a difference in managing pain and will build up his body. I have also approached the landlord of the building, the Kamdar Group, who have committed to providing Rusty with a food parcel every month to ensure he is eating well. We want to keep him off the street and ensure he gets enough rest. It is a start for him to have a better life, as well as a pain-free life,” she said.

Rusty said he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to receive free treatments, and was excited to start.

“I stopped the chemo, as it was not helping and was affecting my organs. I read up on the treatments and I believe it will replenish my body and organs. I have gone from 120kg to 48kg and am living on Future Life as I have no appetite.

“Being on the drips will give me back my appetite. I feel really blessed as I haven’t had energy and have been in pain for the past five years. I battle to get out of bed some mornings. I believe it will come right for me, as doctors said people usually only live for 18 months with CMML, but I have lasted so long. If I had allowed myself to be negative I would’ve pegged a long time ago! The brain is stronger than you think, and I know God has kept me here as I still have a lot of work to do in helping drug addicts be rehabilitated,” he said.

Rusty was given his first IV on Friday, to help boost his immune system and provide him with vital vitamins and minerals.

When he is stronger, he will start with the oncological IV and receive an IV once a month thereafter.

Republished from Berea Mail

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