Hot Cares stands beside Odette as she faces the fight of her life

For years, Odette Van Staden was the person others turned to in moments of crisis. As a Captain in the South African Police Service, she dedicated much of her life to protecting, helping, and serving her community.

But earlier this year, the roles were reversed – and Odette found herself in need of the same compassion and support she had shown so many others.

Towards the end of 2025, Odette started experiencing concerning health symptoms, which were initially believed to be linked to an infection. However, as the months passed, her condition worsened dramatically, leaving her in severe pain and needing urgent medical intervention.

A second medical opinion revealed the devastating reality: Odette had kidney cancer and required emergency surgery to save her life.

Her journey became even more difficult when she lost her beloved life partner in February 2026 – leaving her to face grief, recovery, and overwhelming medical uncertainty all at once.

While Odette’s emergency kidney operation was successful, the financial impact of that life-saving procedure has left her with a burden she simply cannot carry alone.

Her loved ones reached out to Hot Cares, describing a woman who has always been there for others.

“Odette is more than a patient. She is a mother, sister, aunt, friend, and a woman who spent her life serving others. Today, she needs others to stand beside her in her greatest battle.”

That is exactly why Hot Cares stepped in.

Thanks to the generosity of our Hot Cares supporters, we are assisting Odette with the outstanding costs associated with her emergency kidney operation, up to the value of R100 000.

Because healing after a life-threatening illness is not only physical. Removing this financial pressure gives Odette the space to focus on regaining her strength, continuing her recovery, and facing the next chapter with hope.

After a lifetime of standing up for others, Hot Cares is honoured to stand beside Odette when she needs it most.