Former Vlammie, Robin Lewis, and his wife, Jolandie, have returned to the Lowveld on a mission to set a record for registered donors through their ‘Matches on the Map’ stem cell recruitment drive.

Their pay-it-forward initiative, known as Numinous Expeditions, began after Robin was diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia in 2018. The rare inherited genetic disorder impairs DNA repair, leading to bone marrow failure, physical abnormalities, and an increased risk of cancers, particularly head and neck cancer.

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His only chance of survival was a bone marrow transplant, along with chemotherapy and radiation. His sister turned out to be the only match in the world, and five months later he was cancer-free.
After being given a second chance at life, the couple made it their mission to create awareness for stem cell donation and assist patients diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia in South Africa.

“The chances of being someone’s match are one in 100 000 for Caucasians, and one in 400 000 for other ethnicities,” Robin explained. “This is mainly due to a lack of diversity on donor registries worldwide.”

The couple have since embarked on a 10-year journey from South Africa to Vietnam in their truck, Betsy, to recruit potential donors.

Betsy, an old fire truck converted into a home on wheels, runs on used cooking oil, making the journey more sustainable and affordable.

“We have matched two donors and hope to get more,” Robin said. The couple fund their travels by selling handmade goods and through monthly contributions from Patreon supporters.

Interested donors need to be in generally good health and between the ages of 16 to 45 years to sign up. Eligible individuals will complete an application form and do two simple cheek swabs.

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“If you are ever matched with a patient in need, the donation process is non-invasive and can be compared to a simple blood donation,” Robin added. There are no costs involved to the donor; everything is covered by the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR).

“We invite all Lowvelders who are willing to give someone a second chance at life to join our recruitment drive,” he said.

The couple will be at the Creative Hub Market at Oewersig Hall on Sunday, with Betsy, to recruit new donors.