About the Author

Ryan James

Guest contributor

I am the Head of Development at Londolozi's not-for-profit partner organisation, the Good Work Foundation (GWF). GWF focuses on education, in particular helping people living in rural areas to connect to a new, digital Africa and all of its opportunities.

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14 Comments

on Leanna Knopik Cup: Reaching Africa from over the Seas

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From heartbreaking to heartwarming.

Judes
Guest

What a special “All Heart” story from all around the universe!

Congratulations to all that have worked so hard to bring life to the Good Work Foundation
& the All Heart Fund. We are honored to be a part of such a beautiful tribute to Leanna Knopik.
And to celebrate those, touched by an angel! Keep up the great work!!

Thank you Terri and Michael – your work in Sarasota has been a huge part of this vision, and we can’t wait to have you back 🙂

Senior Digital Ranger

Ryan that is so beautiful no more words needed. Thank you & Congratulations

While it is heart-wrenching still when I look at that photo of us crossing the Sand River in 2011, it is truly inspiring to see the profound impact that Leanna’s spirit is having on those in South Africa that are, in truth, our second family.

Jill Grady
Guest

You’re right James, that is the most remarkable story. What a wonderful legacy Leanna has left, and across time and heaven, has managed to accomplish her heart’s desire – to make a difference in the lives of Africa’s children. Congratulations Shearer, for all your hard work, kindness and generosity of spirit, and for being the first recipient of the Leanna Knopik Cup award. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you!

Incredible story and a huge congratulations to Shearer for winning the inaugural Leanna Knopik Cup.

Thank you Ryan for an amazing story. I’ve read it over many times always with tears in my eyes. The photo of Shearer, his mother Myna, Kate and Mo will now be prominently adorned in our home. It also is such an honor to be connected to Leanna and her family – the photo of her at Londolozi is both beautiful and heartbreaking – but to know that her spirit lives on is such a gift. Also, we are all so excited to see that people are being honored for having a big heart – heres an idea, in addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, maybe we could start awarding a Nobel BIG HEART Prize! We could use more big hearts around the world, that’s for sure! Although Leanna’s beautiful heart and spirit have been dropped at Hazyview, the ripples will soon be felt all over the world! Again, congratulations to Shearer, the Knopik family, and Hazyview!

Jenifer, you are so right – while we celebrate tangible achievements all the time, we often overlook the generous spirits who spread positive change. Sometimes not obvious, but if you look carefully, quietly profound! The video from the graduation is now available and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndzj8RfDlU8.

Enjoy it, and thanks 🙂

And, I forgot to mention Anna Ridgewell! My apologies! Anna, looking forward to meeting you in June!

My love and congratulations to the Ngobeni family. I fell in love with gentle Freddy in 2010 and have been privileged to ride with him two more times. I’m counting the days until I can return to Londolozi and see him again. How proud he should be of his son. Thanks GWF and the All Heart Fund for making these opportunities available. Thanks, Ryan, for all your stories. Aloha.

A heart-rending and heart-warming story! Congratulations, Shearer and much luck in your challenges ahead!

Doreen Dziepak
Guest

What a beautiful way to remember a beautiful young lady !
Pay it forward and create a rippling effect to continue to share with others and success with be yours Shearer !
All the very best to you

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