Richard’s story of hope

About the project

I am Richard Burger and I have a genetic lung disease called Cystic Fibrosis.

I was diagnosed in 2011 at the age of 13.

I was diagnosed quite late for someone with CF and this is because the doctors I had been seeing during my childhood had never heard of CF and therefore didn’t know how to diagnose me so I was simply diagnosed with Asthma.

During my Grade 7 year my health got worse and eventually we saw a specialist who sent me for a sweat test and I was diagnosed with CF.

A month and a half later I went to boarding school at Rondebosch Boys’ High School where I had the time of my life and I was well cared for by the staff there.

After school I obtained a teaching degree at Stellenbosch University and I still live in Stellenbosch.

I love the outdoors and being active. Cricket is my favourite sport and it has always been a way that I have kept myself healthy.

I also love the ocean and I bodyboard when I get the chance.

Recently I got into running and I plan on running a few 10km races this year where I’ll be wearing custom made shirts to spread awareness for CF.

I dream of telling people my story with CF and I hope that one day others can gain inspiration from it and that it can help people overcome their own personal obstacles.

Thank you for sharing my cause or donating: 

Update August 2024:

Richard gained access to Trikafta via his medical aid’s ex gratia application and the access program. 

He strives to stay fit and would love to run a 10km race.

Richard was our guest of honor at our Gala held on 20 July 2024 and his speech was an inspiration to each and every person who attended our Gala evening. 

“No matter what you are going through in life: Cystic Fibrosis, cancer, depression or diabetes….what can you do to look at it through a different lense: and remember seeing the beauty within the struggle”