Help Tashnika find a stem cell donor

A MONTH after celebrating her 18th birthday in November, Merebank teen, Tashnika Rambali was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The diagnosis came after she sustained a minor cut on her finger and the blood would not clot to form a scab. Not wasting any time, her mother Sharon, took her to the doctor for tests, hoping to also find an answer for the unexplained bruises on Tashnika’s body.

The doctor referred her to a haematologist, where it was discovered that her blood levels were low. She was taken to hospital, and she underwent a bone marrow test.

Three days before Christmas, the family was informed of the diagnosis. “The doctor allowed me to go home for Christmas and spend time with my family, but it wasn’t joyous,” said Tashnika.

“Being diagnosed with leukaemia has put my life on hold, because of having to go for treatment and being hospitalised. I don’t have any fun because my blood levels are compromised and I need to be isolated, so I cannot go out.”

Tashnika is in need of a bone marrow stem cell donor. Since her older brother was not a match, it leaves her with a 1 in 100,000 chance of finding a perfect match. Her community has been supportive of her and her family. Two blood drives were held in Merebank, where members of the public were tested to see if they could be a match for Tashnika.

After matriculating from Merebank Secondary School last year, Tashnika had planned to study radiology. She now plans to spend her time raising awareness about leukaemia and being involved with The Sunflower Fund.

“My family and I, like many others, have been so self-absorbed in our own lives in the past, that we did not spare a thought for the many people fighting this life-threatening disease. It’s only when it personally affects someone we love, that we take the time to empower ourselves with knowledge and ways to help others,” she said.

She urges members of the public to register as stem cell donors, citing that whether she finds a match, she will keep raising awareness of the disease so that many lives are saved.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 45, weigh over 50kg with a BMI of less than 35 and have no history of sexually transmitted diseases and would like to find out more about becoming a bone marrow stem cell donor, call The Sunflower Fund on toll free 0800- 121-082, weekdays between 8.30am and 4.30pm or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za.