Meet Rida Viljoen: A Voice of Strength, Service, and Hope for the CF Community
For most of her life, Rida Viljoen lived in the shadow of cystic fibrosis (CF). Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Breathing became a daily battle for Rida – nebulisers, oxygen tanks, and exhaustion became her constant companions. At 40, doctors told her she only had a few months left to live.
But they didn’t know Rida.
At 43, Rida is not only living – she is thriving, advocating, and fiercely fighting for others still waiting for the same lifeline she was miraculously given. Her turnaround came thanks to a highly effective, but extremely expensive medication called Trikafta. This breakthrough treatment is hailed globally for transforming the lives of those with CF. Within hours of taking her first dose, Rida felt the change. Within days, her lungs began clearing years of built-up mucus. And soon, she could breathe without the constant help of a nebuliser or oxygen tank.
While her story has been shared in Huisgenoot and YOU magazines, the true depth of Rida’s journey goes far beyond survival. It’s a story of calling, courage, and community.
As a certified Breakthrough Life Coach, Rida pours her life into serving others – not just as a patient, but as a passionate advocate, motivator, and mentor. She believes in the power of action and the ripple effect of connection. Through her work with SACFA and her personal coaching practice, she supports people with CF and their families, helping them move from fear and overwhelm to hope and empowerment.
Rida’s vision is clear: a future where every person living with CF in South Africa has access to life-saving medication, emotional support, and the belief that they are not alone. Only about 30% of South African CF patients currently have access to Trikafta. For many, the cost is simply out of reach. Rida and her team are working hard to change this – one meeting and one life at a time.
Whether she’s coaching a young adult navigating diagnosis, meeting with policymakers, or raising awareness in the media, Rida shows us what resilience looks like when it finds its voice.
Her fight is far from over, but with every breath she takes, she reminds us that life is worth fighting for. Thank you Rida, for all you do!
✨ Read her inspiring feature in Huisgenoot (17 April 2025 edition) and learn more about the fight for access, the price of breath, and the woman leading with heart.
