Published 21 June 2026
One Step Closer
Chantelle's knee surgery is done and her recovery has begun.
On 27 May 2026, Chantelle Groenewald reached an important milestone in her journey when she underwent the knee reconstruction surgery she had been waiting for.
At just 19 years old, Chantelle has already overcome more challenges than many face in a lifetime. After spending most of her childhood at Paul Kruger Children's Home, she worked hard to build a brighter future, matriculating in 2025 and preparing for the next chapter of her life.
When a serious knee injury threatened to slow her down, help came through Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels, Operation Healing Hands and funding from LottoStar. Together, they made it possible for Chantelle to receive the surgery and specialised aftercare she needed.
Chantelle is now focused on her recovery and rehabilitation. This surgery brings her one step closer to living without pain and pursuing her dream of running competitively again.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in making this possible. Chantelle's resilience and positive spirit continue to inspire us, and we look forward to cheering her on as she continues her recovery and works towards returning to the sport she loves.