A Christmas of courage: Hot Cares supports Addison’s battle against cancer

Fourteen-year-old Addison Hunter has spent most of 2025 not in classrooms or swimming pools, but in hospital wards, oncology rooms, and recovery beds.

Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in February, she bravely began chemotherapy, only to learn in September that the cancer had not responded as expected. Her medical team then turned to a new immunotherapy treatment, which finally offered a glimmer of hope — a real sign that her body was responding and the finish line was in sight.

“No child should come this far in treatment and be forced to stop when hope is finally within reach.”

But just as hope returned, funding disappeared. Her medical aid confirmed it would not cover the final two treatments, leaving the family fighting both the disease and an impossible financial barrier. They had already stretched themselves beyond limits — fundraising, hosting events, and rallying their community — but it still wasn’t enough.

Through all of this, Addison never lost her sense of humour or her courage. As her mom Verity shared, “She has shown more bravery and strength than I could ever possibly show — all with her sense of humour intact.”

Addison is a sporty, funny, fiercely determined teenager who loves swimming more than anything. She was ready to take on Grade 8, train for galas, and chase her dreams — but instead, 2025 became a year of needles, scans, and relentless uncertainty. Stopping treatment now, when she is finally responding, would undo the progress her body has fought so hard to make.

“Helping Addison now doesn’t replace her family’s effort — it completes a fight they have carried with extraordinary strength.”

This Christmas, Hot Cares is stepping in to ensure Addison can cross the finish line. We will be covering a total of R165 000, which includes:

  • R140 000 for her final immunotherapy treatment

  • All outstanding hospital and laboratory bills adding pressure to the family

  • A special spa day for Addison, her mom, and her sister — a chance to celebrate hope, healing, and togetherness once she is strong enough

For the first time this year, Addison’s family can exhale. They no longer have to choose between medical debt and lifesaving treatment. Instead, they can focus on supporting their daughter as she completes her journey toward remission.

This Christmas, we’re helping Addison reclaim her childhood — one treatment, one breath, one moment of hope at a time.

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