Nicole Capper has a number of titles to her name, including Mrs South Africa (2018), Functional Medicine pharmacist, model, MC and current Survivor South Africa participant –but the title she holds closest to her heart is mom! This mother of two is a Rare mom – her youngest, Tatum Sloane, has Cystic Fibrosis – a life limiting, rare, genetic disorder- but instead of allowing this diagnosis to crush her spirit, it has inspired her to find her purpose: Nicole is attempting to move mountains…. by climbing them!
Uprising is one of the projects undertaken by Nicole as part of the #RareHeights initiative which aims to motivate people to do more – to step beyond their comfort zone and achieve greatness. In 2018 she tackled Mount Everest and summited Kilimanjaro, and in September she heads off on a mission to summit Mont Blanc – the highest peak in the Alps, rising almost 4810m above sea level. It is also considered one of the most dangerous to climb, with the highest number of fatalities annually – seemingly apt as Nicole attempts to summit to create awareness of life-limiting diseases.
She joins an all-women team, consisting of athletes Deshun Deysel, Alda Waddell, Tumi Mphahlele and Lisa Gering, with Ronnie Muhl managing the logistics of the climb.
Dread diseases can be defined as those diseases which have a significant impact on lifestyle and/or longevity and which incur high costs to treat (if treatment is available). Many of these are rare diseases, a cause close to Nicole’s heart, and the reason she uses her mobility for the benefit of those without. She is a proud ambassador for Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) – a registered Non-profit organisation that seeks to improve quality of life by fighting to have rare diseases recognized and treated. Through advocacy and empowerment, RDSA plays a fundamental role in bridging the gap between vulnerable communities and medical advancement – providing a voice for universal healthcare.
“I want to climb every step for those who can’t, take every breath for those who can’t, and experience the outdoors like some can only dream of.” Says Nicole, who watches her young daughter challenge her body beyond its boundaries daily as she battles Cystic Fibrosis.
If you would like to show your support for Nicole and aid her in making a significant difference to the lives of those impacted by rare and dread diseases, please click below:
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