Hot Cares steps in to support Cape Town police sergeant battling ALS

Yuri Ray’s world changed in a matter of months.

Just a year ago, the 46-year-old husband, dad and police sergeant at Diep River Police Station in Cape Town thought pins and needles in his little finger were nothing more than an irritation. Today, Yuri is living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) – conditions that have taken away his mobility, his independence, and even parts of his memory.

He can no longer walk or perform daily tasks without assistance. Speaking is slower, falls are frequent, and the muscles that help him swallow are failing. Yet, through all the fear, frustration and confusion, Yuri holds onto one clear decision: to live every day to the fullest and cherish every moment with his wife, Chavonne, and their young daughter.

For years, Yuri served the Cape Town community — running towards emergencies instead of away from them. Now, he and his family are facing a crisis of their own. Chavonne is doing everything she can to hold things together: caring for Yuri, raising their daughter, and trying to keep the household afloat financially as a commission-based sales representative, while preparing to start a new job in mid-December.

ALS is an extremely expensive disease, and many of Yuri’s most critical needs are not fully covered by medical aid. An adjustable electric hospital bed is vital to help prevent aspiration, pressure sores and respiratory strain, making it safer and easier to reposition him and allowing him to rest more comfortably at home. A suitable electric wheelchair will become Yuri’s legs – giving him the freedom to move, participate in family life and remain connected to the outside world, even as his condition progresses.

The daily essentials matter just as much. Nappies, linen savers and wipes are crucial for Yuri’s comfort, hygiene and dignity, and they are needed in constant supply.

That’s why, this Hot Cares Christmas, Hot Cares will be assisting Yuri with an electric hospital bed, a suitable electric wheelchair, and the ongoing cost of nappies, wipes and linen savers (up to R2 000 per month for six months) – support valued at R75 000. Together with our listeners, we hope to restore some safety, comfort and dignity for a Cape Town community hero who has spent his life serving others.