? ?Life Interrupted – Help Hybre Fight MS and Rebuild Her Future

Hello, my name is Hybre, and I’m reaching out today with great humility and hope — to ask for your kindness, your compassion, and, if you’re able, your support.

For over six years, I worked aboard cruise ships in a leadership role I cherished. I led a team of more than 90 staff, thrived under pressure, and gave everything to my role. I was proud of what I had accomplished. But during my final contract, an incident with a crew manager — involving serious misconduct and a false narrative that was turned against me — left me emotionally and physically broken.

On the day of disembarkation, after doing everything I could to handle the situation professionally, I collapsed on the pier. I was shaking, unable to walk or speak clearly. I asked for help from the very person whose actions had led to so much turmoil, but she simply laughed and walked away. Another colleague thankfully stepped in and rushed me to a hospital.

That was just the beginning.

When I returned to South Africa, I underwent numerous tests. In 2020, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — a chronic, degenerative neurological disease. I had never felt so frightened, vulnerable, and alone .  

At the time, I used what savings I had from my years at sea to cover the costs of private neurologists, scans, and medication. I was not on a medical aid because ship life had always covered our healthcare while onboard. But my funds quickly ran out.

I tried everything. I held fundraisers, I reached out to friends and fellow crew members — many of whom generously donated to help me cover scans and some of my treatments. But MS is a costly disease. My monthly medication costs alone were R9,000 to R11,000, and I could no longer afford them.

I turned to South Africa’s public healthcare system, only to be told that they do not provide MS medication — despite it being officially classified as a chronic condition. They offered only basic painkillers, which did nothing to slow the disease or improve my quality of life.

Eventually, I was given Rituximab — a generic infusion “not directly tailored to my condition”- but as a generic to OCREVUS . Since the 2nd infusion, I’ve experienced excruciating joint pain, swelling, and repeated falls- and though addressing this with the physicians have not received feedback to my concern at the public hospital. I am concerned as I feel and am afraid that this may get worse- and it id therefore my hope to see a specialist neurologist- where personalized attention could be given to my case- however cannot afford to go to a private neurology practitioner. 

 I’m now undergoing tests to rule out or confirm a second autoimmune diagnosis: arthritis. I am praying this is not the case.

Today, I live with severe pain that often causes me to lose consciousness for hours. My legs, knees, and feet swell constantly, and I struggle with even basic mobility. I’ve used every resource I had. My disability grant barely covers essentials and certainly not the cost of the medications I need: Copaxone (to slow progression), Dalstep (for mobility), and Baclofen (to manage muscle spasms).

Despite all this, I remain hopeful. I’ve been medically cleared to return to work, and I apply daily. But without the proper treatment, I cannot regain the strength to be truly work-ready.

? I’m asking for help to raise 9000 euros

Enough to cover 8 months of medication, essential tests, a wheelchair, neurology,  physiotherapy, and the most basic living costs.

? HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you are able to contribute in any way, I would be beyond grateful. Every cent helps and brings me closer to stability.