Friends rally for Pod

One of the most amazing things about Rodney Pretorius (48) from Tweni is his ability to just keep smiling despite his battle with rare disease, Scleroderma.

This is how his childhood friends, Jono Steynberg and Lane Allan describe him, whom they famously nicknamed ‘Pod’.

“If you sit down and spend time with him, it’s like nothing has changed, he is the same guy. Laughing, joking and just being so positive about life all the time. He is just such an incredible human, one we can all learn from,” concurred Steynberg and Allan.

The duo has organised an epic ‘Pod’s Fundraiser Day’ to help with medical costs, at the Port Shepstone Country Club this Friday, November 24.

The fun-filled day will consist of golf kicking off at 09:30, Padel at midday, with bowls and 6-a-side cricket for the juniors at 14:00.

Everyone is encouraged to come down to the club to support the fundraiser. All the sporting events will finish at 16:00 followed by prize-giving, an auction and raffle.

An open invitation is then extended to everyone to attend a bring and braai. Fires will be lit, and salads will be provided. Get your dancing shoes on for a terrific party as local musician Ian Jones is set to entertain.
Pretorius has had Scleroderma, a chronic, multi-system disease for eight years. Doctors say he is the only person in South Africa to be diagnosed with it.

It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis (thickening) in the skin and other areas of the body. When an immune response tricks tissues into thinking they are injured, it causes inflammation, and the body makes too much collagen, leading to Scleroderma. It’s not contagious, infectious, or a form of cancer.

For Pretorius, this year has been by far the worst and most difficult time for him.
Since January, he has been unable to walk. About a month ago, he had his leg amputated and has spent a great deal of time in hospital, and is on morphine to manage the pain.

Before his life changed, he ran his own business and spent his spare time kite surfing, playing squash and off-road motorbike riding.

Pretorius grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to the coast at a young age. He attended Port Shepstone High and left school to became a specialised automotive mechanic. He is married to Jessica and they have a daughter, Megan.

“My faith, my family and special friends and the incredible South Coast community have kept me positive,” he said.

A humbled Pretorius thanked everyone who has given his family and himself support during this challenging time.
He also thanked his brother, Ryan Pretorius, Rodger Ireland, Crusaders and the Silver Bullets for organising a successful fundraiser where riders united at Margate Airport last weekend.
If anyone would like to make a donation or for more information about Friday’s fundraiser contact Allan on 082 3770434.

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