IN CONVERSATION WITH NICOLE LIEDEMANN-TELUKRAM
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After 35 days on foot and more than 1,800 kilometres behind her, Nicole Liedemann-Telukram has officially arrived in Cape Town — completing a remarkable journey that began in Johannesburg and captured national attention. We've followed her from the very beginning, and today, her mission to raise awareness for rare diseases has crossed the finish line.
Nicole embarked on this walk to honour her husband, Shaun (also known as Sathish), who is one of only four people in South Africa formally diagnosed with Dercum’s Disease — a rare, painful condition marked by fatty tumours, chronic pain, and emotional struggle.
But this journey has always been about more than one person. In partnership with Rare Diseases South Africa, Nicole walked to give a voice to the many South Africans living with rare conditions who often feel invisible and unheard.
"Yes, I’m walking for Shaun," Nicole said, "but also for everyone still waiting for a diagnosis, still misunderstood, still dismissed. They deserve to be seen."
Walking nearly 40 km per day, Nicole endured harsh weather and unfamiliar roads, sustained by messages of support and the powerful stories shared by others along the way. Communities opened their hearts — walking with her, donating, and spreading awareness.
She encouraged others to take part by walking 10 km in solidarity and donating R50 to support those affected by rare diseases. "You don’t have to walk the country — just take one step. It all adds up," she said.
As she steps into Cape Town on Day 35, Nicole’s message is louder than ever: no condition is too rare to be recognised. Her walk was a call to action — a movement to make rare diseases visible in South Africa.
How You Can Still Support:
• Walk 10 km in your area
• Donate R50 to Rare Diseases South Africa
• Share Nicole’s story using #NicoleWalksForRare and #RareButReal
• Visit www.rarediseases.co.za to learn more
Nicole embarked on this walk to honour her husband, Shaun (also known as Sathish), who is one of only four people in South Africa formally diagnosed with Dercum’s Disease — a rare, painful condition marked by fatty tumours, chronic pain, and emotional struggle.
But this journey has always been about more than one person. In partnership with Rare Diseases South Africa, Nicole walked to give a voice to the many South Africans living with rare conditions who often feel invisible and unheard.
"Yes, I’m walking for Shaun," Nicole said, "but also for everyone still waiting for a diagnosis, still misunderstood, still dismissed. They deserve to be seen."
Walking nearly 40 km per day, Nicole endured harsh weather and unfamiliar roads, sustained by messages of support and the powerful stories shared by others along the way. Communities opened their hearts — walking with her, donating, and spreading awareness.
She encouraged others to take part by walking 10 km in solidarity and donating R50 to support those affected by rare diseases. "You don’t have to walk the country — just take one step. It all adds up," she said.
As she steps into Cape Town on Day 35, Nicole’s message is louder than ever: no condition is too rare to be recognised. Her walk was a call to action — a movement to make rare diseases visible in South Africa.
How You Can Still Support:
• Walk 10 km in your area
• Donate R50 to Rare Diseases South Africa
• Share Nicole’s story using #NicoleWalksForRare and #RareButReal
• Visit www.rarediseases.co.za to learn more