Barn Dance 2026

Barn Dance 2026

Thank you to everyone who came out, hit the dance floor, and shared so many beautiful moments with us.

Putting together an event like this takes a lot of effort, and seeing our community gather with such open hearts and joy made it all completely worth it.

Your continued support, friendship, and laughter truly brighten our lives and strengthen the bonds we share.

Thank you for being such an important part of this journey and for helping us make the barn dance a massive success.

Funds raised at the event will be go toward our year end family gathering.

We are so grateful for you and can’t wait for our next get-together!

See our annual commitments that depend on fundraising / donations: https://www.cystinosis.co.za/donate/
International Rare Disease Day 2026:  Picnic in the Park

International Rare Disease Day 2026: Picnic in the Park

We hosted our 2nd Picnic in the Park, celebrating International Rare Disease Day on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

This is a wonderful opportunity to put rare diseases, like Cystinosis, in the spotlight and to raise awareness.

We are excited to see that we have had double the amount of people (74) that joined us this year vs 2025.

A big thank you to the Friends of the Foundation for your support.

FUNDS

The funds raised will go towards food vouchers for our families in June 2026.
Through our Food Voucher Project, we provide grocery vouchers twice annually to help ease the financial burden on families.

Each family receives:
R2 000 per family with 2x cystinotic children
R1 500 per family with 1x cystinotic child

Our 2026 Invitation
Annual High Tea 2025

Annual High Tea 2025

Blooming High Tea 2025: A Spring Celebration of Community and Support

Our Annual High Tea blossomed into a beautiful celebration on 20 September 2025, embracing the spirit of spring with our “Blooming High Tea” theme. The venue came alive with colour as Nikki and Annabel decorated the foyer and our dedicated hostesses transformed their tables with stunning floral crockery, arrangements and fresh flowers, setting an elegant and welcoming tone for the day.

We were delighted to welcome 140 guests, including our faithful Friends of the Foundation alongside many first-time attendees who joined us in this special gathering. The warm and inviting atmosphere was wonderfully set by our MC, Judy, who made everyone feel welcomed and relaxed throughout the afternoon.

Gail took a moment to share the heart of why we gather: to raise vital funds for the Cape Town Annual Family Gathering, scheduled for 29 November. For the Cystinosis community, this gathering represents far more than an event—it is a lifeline, bringing together families who share this journey and providing essential support and connection.

The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the spirited cake auction, with tables enthusiastically bidding against one another in friendly competition, each determined to raise the most funds in supporting a worthy cause.

The High Tea has truly become a cherished tradition—anticipated and enjoyed by all who attend. It stands as more than just a fundraiser; it is a beautiful expression of community support and compassion.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this event possible: the men who helped with setup, our wonderful hostesses who created such beauty, our loyal Friends of the Foundation, our first-time guests, and all those who made generous donations. Thank you for joining us and for your invaluable contribution toward our outreach efforts.

Together, we are making a difference.

Enjoy a few highlights from our blooming day below!

Annual Family Gathering 2024

This year’s Family Gathering was also a highlight for all our families who travelled from various provinces to attend this event.

Annual High Tea 2024

Celebrating Cuppa Carnaval! A BIG thank you to our hostess who beautifully decorated their table.