Beacon Valley mom needs help to fight for her life

“I want to live.” These words capture the heart of Bronwyn Brown’s fight.

The 34-year-old Beacon Valley mother is battling multiple chronic illnesses and was recently told she has roughly six months to live. Yet her determination to survive and care for her family remains unwavering.

Bronwyn’s journey began at 11, when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

“It’s been 23 years,” she told the Plainsman on Tuesday, January 20, reflecting on the long path of managing a chronic illness while raising her family.

In 2021, her life changed dramatically when she suffered two strokes that left her unable to speak. Recovery was slow, but her husband, Keanen, was by her side.

“He helped me start walking and talking again. He could hear me and understand what I was trying to say,” Bronwyn said. Later, she developed epilepsy, experiencing monthly seizures that leave her exhausted.

In November last year, during a routine diabetic check-up, Bronwyn received another devastating diagnosis: stage five kidney failure, with her kidneys functioning at only six percent. State hospitals initially denied her dialysis, citing her multiple chronic illnesses.

“They said I had too many conditions."

Determined to find help, the family connected with Renalmed Watergate Mall, where owner Marcus Chetty emphasised the role dialysis plays in giving patients a chance to live.

“Dialysis is life-saving for patients with end-stage kidney failure. Patients can live productive lives and see a difference after just two sessions,” he said.

Mr Chetty said that financial, emotional, and social support are vital to treatment.

Yet private treatment comes at a high cost. Bronwyn and her family must cover the dialysis fees themselves, as most medical aids require a 12-month waiting period before covering such treatment.

“Many things went through my mind. How was I going to cover this?” Bronwyn said.

“My mom is a pensioner, and I’m on disability. We are now asking the community to assist me.”

Her mother, Eurika Natus, described her daughter as “small but strong".

"She’s a package of hope. She’s amazing, a dynamite. Doctors have put pipes in her body, and yet she remains smiling and never gave up."

"She encourages me with her ailments. Life is hard, and people often give up, but she stands firm in God. She is truly a testimony,” she said.

Her sister, Megan Natus, said: “Since we found out she had diabetes, our whole world changed. Bronwyn is not just my sister, she’s like my eldest daughter. When we learned about the kidney failure, it was devastating. But her strength and faith inspired me to do everything I can to support her.”

Bronwyn remains steadfast, motivated by her son and her faith. “People always say I’m still laughing. The God I serve always makes a way,” she said. “I want to live. I want to see my son get married and meet my grandchildren.”

She has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R250 000 to cover dialysis and related medical costs. For Bronwyn and her family, hope, faith, and the will to live continue to guide every step of the journey.

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