Two battles, one family: Community rallies behind mother and daughter

A Claremont mother is calling on the community to stand with her this Valentine’s Day as she fights to save her daughter’s life - even as her own health begins to fail.

On Saturday, February 14, Ratanga Park in Century City will host the This is Love – #LoveShowsUp fundraiser concert, bringing together musicians, comedians, and community members to support 23-year-old Angel, who is battling a growing brain tumour.

Angel was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2023 at Groote Schuur Hospital.

In November 2025, doctors confirmed the tumour had grown, and by late January this year, it began affecting her eyesight, leaving her struggling to see on one side.

Her mother, Debra Lilly, said the tumour has caused extensive and permanent medical damage. Angel has lost adrenal function, suffered kidney damage, and lives with panhypopituitarism, meaning her pituitary gland no longer produces essential hormones.

She also has Diabetes Insipidus, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate fluids, said Ms Lilly.

As a result, Angel’s life is now governed by survival rather than routine.

She depends on strict medication schedules at set times throughout the day, with missing even one dose risking a medical emergency.

"Her days are often marked by severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and exhaustion, and her condition can deteriorate suddenly without warning," she said.

At home, Angel requires constant monitoring and support.

There is ongoing concern about adrenal crises, dehydration, changes in vision, and neurological symptoms, any of which could require immediate hospitalisation.

Emergency room visits, ICU admissions, and ambulance trips have become an unfortunate reality.

“She should be living life - working, studying, falling in love, making mistakes. Instead, she is trying to survive,” said Ms Lilly.

Before her diagnosis, Angel had studied horse management and breeding and had just applied for her first job.

On good days, she still finds comfort spending time around horses, talking about figure skating, and indulging her love of Mustang cars.

Angel now faces a critical medical crossroads.

Doctors are expected to advise on next steps on Thursday, March 5, but have warned that there are only two options - both carrying serious risk.

"Surgery could result in permanent loss of eyesight due to the tumour’s location, and there are concerns about whether her medically fragile body would tolerate anaesthesia. Leaving the tumour untreated, however, risks further irreversible damage to her organs and vision," said Ms Lilly.

Her case is being overseen by an extensive medical team, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, ENT specialists, surgeons, two professors, and a senior specialist.

Adding to the family’s strain, Angel’s mother was diagnosed with kidney failure on Wednesday, January 7, and may require dialysis or a transplant.

Despite this, her focus remains on her daughter.

“My only wish right now is to save my daughter. I will worry about myself later,” she said.

It was from this urgency that This is Love – #LoveShowsUp was born.

The Valentine’s Day concert will feature Ross Learmonth, Blaq Diamond, Mila Smith, Keanan Eksteen, Van Der Aven Band, comedian Linde Sibz, and internationally acclaimed magician Brenden Peel.

Funds raised will go towards Angel’s ongoing medical care, including potential brain surgery, specialist consultations, life-sustaining medication, emergency treatment, and related costs. Organisers hope to raise R300 000 through ticket sales and an online GoFundMe campaign.

“This is not about charity, it’s about choosing compassion. It’s about love choosing action,” said Ms Lilly.

To help the family, or buy a ticket to the concert, email hello@givealittlelove.co.za 

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