Secunda’s Marnu Prinsloo (6) is fighting back
His sister, family and friends have undergone tests but unfortunately are not suitable matches. Despite most being a 4 /10 match, the suitable donor needs to be at 10/10 match.
HIGHVELD – The search is on for a suitable bone marrow donor for six-year-old Marnu Prinsloo.
Young Marnu had a relapse on 25 August after he was diagnosed the first time with acute lymphoblastic in 2017.
He completed treatment in July this year.
The victory was short-lived when the young boy had to face his next bout of chemo and radiation treatment – this time for his central nervous system.
Marnu now needs a bone marrow transplant.
His sister, family and friends have undergone tests but unfortunately are not suitable matches.
Despite most being a 4 /10 match, the suitable donor needs to be a 10/10 match.
Marnu’s mother, Ms Annezell van Rensburg, shares his daily updates on all possible social media platforms.
Marnu is currently undergoing treatment at Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria.
“There is no difference in comparison to the last treatment, if anything, he is doing much better than the last time,” said Ms Van Rensburg.
She said the second round of chemo is not as severe, but he has had side effects from the IT treatment which makes him extremely irritable, emotional and moody.
“Relapsing and fighting cancer for the second time is difficult, especially after celebrating his second chance in life, but we get our strength from God and support from amazing family and friends.
“The best medicine is to believe in God.”
Marnu’s mother daily shares his photo and video diaries with loved ones, and despite his down days, in general, he is the cutest bundle of joy and a very happy champ.
“I’m a lucky fish boy,” said Marnu in one of his videos.
Family, friends and even strangers throughout the country and abroad have shown their support for Marnu.
His mother thanked everyone for all their support during this time saying she does not know what she would have done without all the support everyone has been showing.
An amount of R2.5-million needs to be raised for Marnu to have a bone marrow transplant.
Any form of fundraising is much needed.
Local businesses have shown their support by supporting Laerskool Kruinpark’s orange ribbon project, as well as white elephant sales at the monthly Terra Nova Market in Trichardt and cupcake sales.
“Any form of funding or any idea to raise funds is most welcome.”
There is a GoFundMe page for Marnu which can be viewed at www.gofundme.com or you can view his Facebook page at Marnu Prinsloo – Fighting the big “C”.
If you want to see if you are a match for Marnu, visit the Sunflower Foundation at www.sunflowerfund.org to register.
Donations can also be made to Mr P Prinsloo, Account Number 1557404877, Capitec Bank, Branch code: 470010.
You can also WhatsApp 073 021 6126 if you have any ideas or forms of fundraising.
