It would mean the world to Zishan if he gets a stem cell donor

Nine-year-old leukaemia patient Zishan Reddy looked on with positivity as over 300 people were screened in an attempt to find him a stem cell donor for a bone marrow transplant at a stem cell drive at Ashton International College on May 30.

Bubbly and full of zeal, the Pomona resident remains positive despite facing his second battle with the disease. He expressed gratitude to his schoolmates and community members who came out “to do this for me,” referring to the stem cell donor registration.

“It makes me happy because a lot of people are doing this just for me. It means a lot,” he said.

Zishan was first diagnosed at the age of four, and after a prolonged and brave battle, he recovered and was cancer-free for three years until he relapsed in December.

While he keeps a positive outlook, his second bout with this childhood blood cancer — which affects around 1,400 children annually, according to CHOC — is taking a toll on him.

All Zishan wants is a normal life and to score “amazing free-kicks and penalties” like his “greatest footballer of all time,” former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Right now it’s really bad, and the medication is all over the place. It makes me very tired and nauseous. It would mean the world to me if I got a match.”

His sister, Thuraya, thanked the community for giving her brother hope.

“He’s very kind, helpful, and funny. I love him very much. He’s a strong boy. He’ll get through it. It’s nice seeing people come to give him hope,” Thuraya said.

The turnout left the Grade Three learner’s mother, Goolshan, overwhelmed with emotion. Though still struggling to accept her son’s second battle with the illness, Zishan’s positivity has kept her strong.

“His positivity is great. He’s still my little boy. He’s always happy and positive. He reminds me of his late father. There are days when he tells me not to worry because it’s going to be okay,” she said.

“It’s overwhelming to see the community standing with us and knowing we are not alone. Having all the love, support, and prayers means a lot to us. Sacrificing their time to do this for us is absolutely amazing.”

Watching Zishan go through chemotherapy and spend so much time in the hospital has been hard for Goolshan. She appealed for assistance, saying nothing would please her more than seeing her son live a normal and healthy life.

“The sooner we find a donor for him, the better. We won’t have to go through chemo again. It’s going to help us knowing he’s happy and healthy again,” Goolshan said.

DKMS Africa’s Zanokuhle Mkhize encouraged the community to help Zishan, saying potential donors must be a 100% DNA match.

“Stem cells work like a car battery. If your car doesn’t have a battery, it won’t start. If you donate your stem cells to Zishan, his immune system will work like a new battery. It boosts his system so that he can live a normal life.

“Thanks to the warmth and support of Benonians, I’m truly grateful. I still encourage many more to join. I’m happy with the number we have, but there are still many more people who need help,” said Mkhize.

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