21/06/2025
A Journey of Strength: Frikkie Bossert’s Fight with MND
Frederick Bossert (Frikkie) was healthy and active—walking 12-15km a day, rarely experiencing illness. Life felt steady, but over time, things began to shift. At first, it was subtle—difficulty concentrating, a weakening grip, persistent neck pain. What seemed like minor discomfort turned into something far more serious.
Frikkie worked as Maintenance Manager at one of the largest Engen sites in the North. On the N1 highway between Pretoria and Modimolle, Kranskop 1-Stop, overseeing operations that stretched across both sides of the highway. His work was demanding—fixing emergencies, taking midnight calls to repair burst pipes, troubleshooting generators that refused to start, restoring light outages—if something went wrong, it was his responsibility to fix it. But he loved what he did. Beyond work, he found joy in woodworking, recycling and cultivating impala lilies.
It started slowly. First, struggling to concentrate, then losing grip strength, followed by regular neck pain and headaches. But as his abilities declined, concern grew.
A visit to the GP led to a neurosurgeon, who ruled out surgery—his issue wasn’t something they could fix. Then, in April 2024, the neurologist delivered the devastating diagnosis: Motor Neuron Disease (MND). He was given 2-5 years to live. His wife, Jeanette, researched MND extensively—but held back the harshest details, not wanting to overwhelm Frikkie.
Then came the losses. He could no longer change a light bulb in his home or perform the simplest tasks he used to do. But the biggest setback—was losing the ability to tend to his garden as his condition declined. The doctor advised him to stop working—it was too risky, as he experienced blackouts that led to him falling, the last fall put him in hospital with severe concussion and bleeding on his brain that couldn’t be treated with an operation at the time as he was too weak. His medical condition ultimately led to his placement on Ill Health Retirement in 2024. This marked the end of his career and stripped away the financial security he had always provided for his family.
Beyond the medical struggles, the disease brought misunderstanding. People asked, “Is he getting better today?” as if a pill could cure him. Some even thought he was pretending to be sick. Jeanette, took it upon herself to educate those around them, shifting the narrative from doubt to understanding. Eventually some people stopped asking about recovery and instead said, “We pray that he has minimal pain.”
Determined not to face this journey alone, they joined a support group.
Jeanette: “Then, I reached out to MNDA of South Africa, where they referred us to SleepNet BreatheNet. SleepNet was the only company that responded, offering not just a quotation but genuine care.
Hanneri, the Product Application Specialist, wasn’t just making a sale; she built a relationship with us. She even drove all the way to our home in Modimolle, ensuring we fully understood the BiPAP device and how it could help Frikkie.
Since using it, Frikkie sleeps better and wakes up feeling less pain. The adjustment was tough, but the benefits have been noteworthy.
I can't imagine how I would have managed everything without the support of our son Dennis. While I'm at work, he takes care of things at home and ensures Frikkie has what he needs. I'm truly grateful to have him in my life.”
MND continues to reshape his life, limiting what he once loved—he can no longer drive, work, or create. But despite the hardship, small joys keep him motivated. His sister’s daughter is expecting twins, bringing hope for the future. He stays connected with his high school friends, who visit often.
Frikkie and Jeanette both said without the support of their friends and family this journey would have been very lonely, Frikkie: “above all, my mother-in-law—she truly is the best in the world.”
His message to others facing MND?
"Try and always be yourself. Give yourself space to process the diagnosis. Don’t let it define you."
Spreading Awareness – The Truth About MND
MND remains widely misunderstood. It is not an infectious disease, and there is no quick fix. It is a cruel disease, but no one should face it alone. With the right support, compassion, and understanding, the journey—while difficult—can be met with strength.
