THE Bluff community is rallying together for a special donor drive and fundraiser to assist one-year-old Alyssa Aldworth, who has been diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (MPS1), a devastating and rare lysosomal storage disorder. The family is trying to find a bone marrow match to help save Alyssa’s life. The drive will take place at the Rush Hair and Beauty Studio, 29 Beacon Road, The Bluff, on October 25.

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The event is being backed by DKMS, an international charity dedicated to helping patients with blood cancer and blood disorders find life-saving bone marrow donors.

The process:

Registration is free of charge and consists only of a mouth swab. If a match is found, the bone marrow transplant procedure itself is performed like a four-hour blood donation and is fully funded by DKMS.

Raising funds:

In addition to the donor drive, there will be a cake sale, and all funds raised will contribute to Alyssa’s BackaBuddy campaign. These will contribute towards paying for her rising medical and therapy costs, most of which are not covered by medical aid.

The family needs to raise around R468 000 of which they are just over half-way to achieving, and they are asking for the community’s help for one last big push.

To learn more or to contribute to Alyssa’s journey, follow @alyssasmps1journey on Instagram or visit her BackaBuddy page by clicking here.

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