Four people get life-changing surgeries thanks to LottoStar
From the funds raised for Good Morning Angels through LottoStar's Santa's Stash competition, we will assist Operation Healing Hands to help four people get their life-changing surgeries.
Jamie Felix
21-year-old Jamie Felix is a talented rugby player who studies sports management at TUT. He was awarded a rugby bursary. Jamie was in his second year in 2024 when he broke his leg during a rugby match.
He was taken to a state hospital where a plate was placed in his leg. Unfortunately, the leg became infected. He was referred to a private hospital where an orthopaedic surgeon treated him privately for six weeks. The hospital management agreed that he receive pro bono treatment at the hospital.
It is almost two years later and Jamie still walks on crutches. He has not been able to play rugby and therefore lost his bursary.
He has R43,000 in outstanding fees but hopes to register for his third year this year. He has applied for NSFAS funding, as he is not sure that he will be able to play rugby again.
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In 2025, Jamie was referred to Operation Healing Hands as a potential candidate for assistance. The team has evaluated his situation and his treatment has been approved. Jamie’s surgery is planned for 18 February 2026 at Mediclinic Midstream. As always, the doctors and other medical practitioners will work at no cost, but R63 000 is still outstanding for his hospital stay and theatre time.
REQUEST FOR: Jamie Felix
REQUEST FROM: Operation Healing Hands
ANGEL: Maria Pavli, representing LottoStar
SPONSORING: From the funds raised for Good Morning Angels through the Santa's Stash competition, LottoStar will assist Operation Healing Hands with the R63,000 needed to make Jamie’s surgery a reality.
Chantelle Groenewald
19-year-old Chantelle Groenewald matriculated last year with very good results. She applied for a bursary to study this year, which did not materialise.
Not one to sit and wait, Chantelle is currently working as a waitress to save up for her studies, as well as for an operation to repair the meniscus in her right knee.
Besides the discomfort and pain it causes, the knee injury is preventing her from pursuing her real talent and passion: short-, middle- and long-distance running. Chantelle competed in the 400 m and 3,000 m events for the Gauteng North team and she would love to continue running to hopefully represent South Africa on the international stage.
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Chantelle grew up in foster care and a children's home from the age of three. She does not have family she can rely on, and the waiting list for surgery at a state hospital is many years long.
The doctors at Operation Healing Hands have examined her and recommended surgery and rehabilitation. This procedure and the aftercare needed would cost well over R200,000, but the Operation Healing Hands team has been able to reduce the costs to R80,000 in hospital fees and consumables. That is why they reached out to Good Morning Angels.
REQUEST FOR: Chantelle Groenewald
REQUEST FROM: Operation Healing Hands
ANGEL: Maria Pavli, representing LottoStar
SPONSORING: From the funds raised for Good Morning Angels through the Santa’s Stash competition, LottoStar will assist Operation Healing Hands with the R80,000 needed to give Chantelle the surgery she needs to start her life and future as a student.
Two Shoulder Scopes
Patients:
- Ms Elshe Landman: 27 years
- Mr Matthys Myburgh: 56 years
Planned procedure: Both patients need a right shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff repair.
Hospital quote: R33 500 per patient
ANGEL: Maria Pavli, representing LottoStar
SPONSORING: From the funds raised for Good Morning Angels through the Santa's Stash competition, LottoStar will assist Operation Healing Hands with the R67 000 needed to perform the shoulder surgeries for Elshe and Matthys as well. That is a total of R210 000 in assistance to enable the life-changing surgeries of four patients.
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