Giempie Vardien's heartfelt concert to fund daughter’s cystic fibrosis treatment

A Plumstead father Giempie Vardien will perform in a concert with fellow musicians to raise funds for his daughter Mishca’s cystic fibrosis treatment.

The event will take place at the Wittebome civic centre in Wynberg on Saturday, June 28, at 7.30pm.

“It is a great privilege for me to sing for Mishca to help secure her medication,” said Mr Vardien.

When fellow performers and friends heard of the Vardien family’s struggle, they quickly rallied to support the cause.

The show, titled Giempie and Friends in Concert, will be a nostalgic revival, and all participating artists will be paid for their time. Joining Mr Vardien in this extraordinary line-up are Leslie Kleinsmith, Waseef Piekaan, Supernova, Devolution, De Ja Vu and Nuraan Boltman. 

“As artists, we also need work. So while we are being remunerated, the profits from the show will go directly toward ‘Mishy and her meds’,” Mr Vardien said.

Mishca, now 22, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of two. Doctors initially told the family she likely wouldn’t live beyond the age of eight.

Mishca needs to take Trikafta, a drug described by doctors as "a miracle drug."

The medication costs R400 000 per year - approximately R33 300 per month.

Mishca's medical aid covers a significant portion, but the family still pays R9 298 each month. The medication is couriered from Pretoria monthly, adding to the cost.

“When we first heard the diagnosis, we were devastated. It felt surreal,” said her mother, Leigh Vardien.

“You hear about other families going through such hardships, but you never imagine it could happen to your own. I had never even heard of the disease,” she said, adding that so many questions went through her mind.

Dr Marco Zampoli, a paediatric pulmonologist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and associate professor at the University of Cape Town, explained that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body, particularly in the lungs.

This is due to the body’s inability to produce a vital protein known as CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator).

Dr Zampoli described Trikafta, a breakthrough medication, as a “miracle drug” that helps the body produce a better-quality CFTR protein, effectively reversing many of the disease’s effects, especially when treatment begins early.

“Instead of dying at a young age, people with cystic fibrosis can look forward to a much healthier and more normal life,” said Dr Zampoli.

Despite the grim early prognosis, Ms Vardien remained determined to give Mishca the best life possible.

“One morning I told Giempie, ‘Mishca is going to live her life to the fullest. I want her to be happy and live a normal life, even if it shortens her time with us.’”

Throughout her life, Mishca has kept her condition private, rarely discussing it with friends and always trying to present herself as a typical young woman.

“She’s been a total trooper,” said Ms Vardien. “Very private, very bashful, but incredibly strong. It’s taken a toll on her emotionally and mentally, yet she continues to cope remarkably well.”

Managing the disease has been intense. At times, Mishca has had to take more than an excessive amount of tablets a day, along with undergoing physiotherapy and other treatments.

“No young woman should have to go through that,” said Ms Vardien. “All she wants is to feel normal, to breathe without pain.”

Trikafta has been a game-changer. “Now it’s just two tablets in the morning and one at night,” she said.

Mishca receives treatment at the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital.

While Trikafta is manufactured in countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and China, the Vardiens can access it locally through a special programme.

Tickets cost R175 a person. To support the family, book tickets by calling or sending a WhatsApp to  064 202 0315.