Family faces second blood disorder battle
So unusual were her symptoms that it was only during a routine doctor's visit that discrepancies in her facial and bone structure were identified,
Blood cancers and blood disorders know no boundaries, affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. The key to survival for patients diagnosed with these diseases is a stem cell transplant from a matching donor. Sadly, however, their chances of finding a match are one in 100,000 and the odds are worse for Black, Coloured, Indian, and Asian patients as donors from these ethnicities are underrepresented on local and global stem cell registries. Currently, two such patients, Petronella and Angelene, desperately need a second chance at life.
Family faces second blood disorder battle
Bubbly little Angelene, a six-year-old girl, was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major, a blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce haemoglobin and healthy red blood cells. This after her eldest brother conquered the same disease four years ago.
She presented with different symptoms which is why her condition initially went unnoticed by her parents. So unusual were her symptoms that it was only during a routine doctor’s visit that discrepancies in her facial and bone structure were identified, leading the doctor to recommend that further tests be done. That’s when the family received the news that they had to contend with Thalassemia Major again.
And while her brother was able to receive a stem cell transplant, this has not been the case for little Angelene who dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up.
Cancer-fighting cop refuses to back down
Then there is Petronella, a 25-year-old mother, daughter, sister, and former police officer, who is fighting T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Despite being the primary breadwinner for her family of six – which includes her two-year-old son – she has been unable to work since her diagnosis, causing her enormous distress about their financial well-being.
What’s more, she’s currently receiving treatment in a hospital that’s hours away from her loved ones, with the travel costs making it difficult for them to visit her.
Over and above the financial implications, Petronella is concerned about the emotional impact that her illness is having on her family and prays that she’ll find a matching donor so that she can take care of them all.
“Both patients have so much to live for. But it will be a sombre festive season for them and their families if their prayers for a matching donor aren’t answered. I would like to call upon all South Africans between the ages of 17 and 55 years old who are in general good health to register as blood stem cell donors. You might just end up giving the greatest gift of all – life,” says Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa.
Register today at https://www.dkms-africa.org/register-now. Registration is completely free and takes less than five minutes to complete.
For more information, contact DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82.
