Nicole Liedemann Telukram’s 1800-Kilometre Walk: A Crusade for Rare Disease Awareness
- Hlumela Tshijila
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Johannesburg, South Africa – On April 30th, Nicole Liedemann Telukram (37), a devoted mother of seven, will set out on an inspiring 1800-kilometre journey from Alberton (Johannesburg) to Cape Town. Her mission: to raise awareness and funds for Dercum's disease and other rare diseases that often go unnoticed and misunderstood.
Nicole's life took a dramatic turn in 2021 when her husband, Sathish Telukram (39), was diagnosed with Dercum's disease, a rare and debilitating condition. Dercum’s disease, also known as Adiposis Dolorosa, is a rare condition characterised by painful growths of fatty tissue, called lipomas, which can occur anywhere on the body. These lipomas are often tender and can cause significant discomfort.
The diagnosis brought emotional and practical challenges, transforming their daily lives. Despite the hardships, Nicole's unwavering love and determination have driven her to take on this monumental task.
"Seeing my husband in pain and feeling helpless was heart-wrenching," Nicole shared. "I realised that many others are suffering in silence, and I wanted to do something to make a difference."
Accompanied by her friend Pabello, who will drive a support vehicle, Nicole plans to camp along the route, relying on the generosity of donors for tents, sleeping bags, and food supplies. Her husband's family will step in to care for her children during the 45-day journey, allowing Nicole to focus on her mission.
Nicole aims to raise R200,000 for research and support for rare diseases. She hopes to shine a light on the struggles faced by those with rare conditions and to encourage the medical community to take these diseases seriously. By documenting her journey on TikTok, Nicole will provide real-time updates and ensure her safety.
"I believe there's a cure for everything if we just take the time and dedicate the effort," Nicole said. "We need to stop looking down on people with disabilities and include them in our communities with open hearts."
Nicole's journey is not just a walk; it's a powerful statement of resilience, love, and hope. She encourages others to take action and not limit themselves to advocating for rare diseases.
She hopes to gain support from those that will follow her journey and join her in her walk.
For more information and to follow Nicole's journey, visit her TikTok handle @nicoletelukram
You can contribute to this cause by donating through the “Give and Gain” platform. Your donations will help fund research and provide support for those affected by rare conditions.
Donate Here: https://www.givengain.com/project/nicole-raising-funds-for-rare-diseases-south-africa-94199
Contact: Nicole Liedemann Telukram
Email: nicoletelukram@gmail.com
Phone: 074 454 5848
Writer: Marise Mubili
Email: comms@rarediseases.co.za
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