During a very emotional broadcast of Carte Blanche on 12 October 2014, Tina Botha, CEO of the Sunflower fund, urged the people of South Africa to become stem cell donors. She briefly spoke about her son, Chris Corlett’s journey with acute- lymphoblastic leukaemia, and the importance of stem cell donation in South Africa.
Imagine being diagnosed with leukaemia, or even worse, having your child diagnosed with this dreaded disease. Each year thousands of South Africans (mainly children and teenagers) have to face this terrifying reality. Fortunately life threatening blood disorders and autoimmune disorders can now be treated. This however, requires a bone marrow/stem cell transplant from a willing donor and although it is sometimes possible for relatives to provide the closest matches, 75% of patients will not have a suitable sibling and will have to start their search for a matching, non-related donor.
The chance of finding a donor match is only 1 in 100 000! The odds are even more against South African sufferers because of the unique combinations of tissue types due to the diversity of our nation.
Due to the 1 in 100 000 chance of finding a compatible donor, at least 100 000 donors are needed for a registry to function effectively in South Africa. The registry should ideally have 400 000 donors representing all ethnic groups. So far donor numbers have increased from a mere 1200 in 1999 to over 65 000 today. If you are 18-45 years old, healthy and weigh 50 kilograms or more, you can become a life-saving bone marrow donor today.
How to become a donor
- Call the Sunflower Fund’s toll free number 0800 12 10 82. They will make sure that you meet the criteria, process your registration form and direct you to the closest donor recruitment clinic.
- Make sure that you take your completed form to the clinic where you will donate 2 test tubes of blood.
- Your blood sample will be analysed and put on a database. The Sunflower Fund will pay R2000, 00 for each blood test. Donors are asked to contribute towards the cost of the test. If you are not able to make a donation, you will be placed on a waiting list and when funds become available, they will sponsor the cost of your test.
- Donors will receive a donor card. Donors will only be called back to donate stem cells if they are a perfect match for a patient.
What to expect
The most likely method of collecting your stem cells is the peripheral blood stem cell donation. This involves removing the donor’s blood through a sterile needle in one arm. The blood is passed through a machine that separates out the stem cells used in transplantation. The remaining blood is returned through the other arm. The donor does not experience pain during this procedure.
The South African Bone Marrow Registry is in desperate need of donors from all ethnic groups and mixed backgrounds.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.sunflowerfund.org.za, www.mayoclinic.org
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
