KNYSNA NEWS - Beloved local animal rescuer Tanja Badenhorst, known throughout Knysna and George as "the Bird Lady", is facing a critical medical crisis and urgently needs help from the community she's served for years.

"For the past six years, Tanja has been battling chronic osteomyelitis, a severe and recurring bone infection," says her wife, Ashleigh de Wit. 

"She's already endured over 75 surgeries, lost her left leg above the knee, and continues to suffer daily pain. Just a month ago, she received the devastating news that the infection has returned, now in her bone marrow. Government hospitals have a five-month wait - and we simply don't have that time."

Ashleigh says private surgeons believe her leg can still be partially saved without a high-risk full hip disarticulation, but the surgery must happen urgently.

"The cost, including hospital care and specialists, is R400 000. We've raised R154 000 through BackaBuddy, which secured a surgery date - 29 July - but we still have a long way to go. We've spent over R300 000 of our own savings. We're emotionally exhausted, financially broken, and desperate."

Ashleigh is calling on the people of Knysna and George to rally behind the woman who has given so much to local wildlife.

To donate, visit their BackaBuddy campaign or contact Ashleigh on 076 410 6441.

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