DJ Scoob SA: Battling multiple sclerosis through music

DJ Scoob SA, a well-known Cape Town artist, continues to DJ while battling multiple sclerosis (MS), while his wife has started a BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds for his Ocrevus treatment.

For Nathan Williams, aka DJ Scoob SA, DJ'ing is not just a career, it's a lifeline and passion.

In 2013, Williams’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with MS and has been receiving treatments, which cost up to R30 000 per dose of Ocrevus infusion.

MS is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves and can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms.

Williams currently has secondary-progressive MS and there is no cure.

At least 20-40% of people with relapsing-remitting MS can eventually develop a steady progression of symptoms, which is known as secondary-progressive MS.

MS has affected most parts of Williams's life and that of his family, but he remains positive with their support.

“I was still in school when I was diagnosed. At the time, I was very fit and actively involved in sports.

“I had already developed a passion for DJ'ing while in high school and dreamed of pursuing a career in sports.

"However, after his diagnosis, it felt like my whole world came crashing down.

"I attempted to work regular jobs, including positions in call centers, but the symptoms of MS proved too challenging for my body.

"Today, I am an avid DJ and have turned that passion into my main source of income and a lifeline.”

He said his children have made living with the disease easier as they constantly support and encourage him.

He explained that medical costs have been mounting, which has become challenging for him and his family.

“My medical aid costs around R5 500 per month, not including the additional medication I need.

“Over the years, I’ve been on various treatments, but due to not being able to afford comprehensive medical aid earlier, I had to rely on state hospitals.

“Unfortunately, they don’t have access to the more effective disease-modifying therapies, and during that time, my condition progressed.

“As a result, I now have secondary progressive MS. There’s currently no cure or medication that can reverse the neurological damage caused by MS.

“I’m now on Ocrevus, and each infusion costs approximately R30 000. 

"I receive these infusions two to three times a year. It’s not only been a massive financial burden, but also a constant battle to get my medical aid to cover the costs of this critical treatment.”

Williams said the disease has been debilitating but that his music kept his spirits alive.

His wife, Liesel, who has started a Backbuddy account for him, aims to raise R150 000 to foot medical bills.

“DJ Scoob SA has played alongside some of the city's most well-known DJs and lit up dance floors at top nightclubs across the Mother City. His sets are electric, his energy infectious, and his love for music undeniable.

"It's not just a career for him; it's a lifeline. His music is how he expresses himself, stays connected to the world, and earns an income. 

“DJ Scoob SA is currently receiving Ocrevus, one of the few treatments that can slow the progression of MS. However, the cost of Ocrevus in South Africa is extremely high and not fully covered by medical aid. Each dose is a massive financial burden, but without it, his condition will only worsen."

For more information follow DJ Scoob SA's BackaBuddy page on https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/beats-beyond-the-battle-against-ms

Cape Argus