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Each year thousands of South Africans – mostly children and teenagers – have to face the terrifying reality of being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Fortunately life-threatening blood disorders such as leukaemia, aplasia, immune deficiencies, inborn errors of metabolism, and other new indications such as auto-immune disorders can now be treated.

This process entails a bone marrow/stem cell transplant from a willing donor, and although it is sometimes possible fore relatives to offer the closest matches, 75% of patients will not have a suitable sibling and will have to start their search for a matching non-related donor.

The chance of finding a matching donor is just 1 in 100 000.

To facilitate this daunting search, bone marrow registers in different countries hold tissue type information of volunteers who have provided small blood samples for testing and recording.

The odds are even more against South African sufferers owing to the fact that our rainbow nation has more unique combinations of tissue types.

Ethnic origin is important when matching donors and patients and the ‘markers’ that are tested when searching for a match are genetically inherited and often unique to a particular race.

It is therefore very important that South African has its own bone marrow registry, and the larger that registry, the greater and faster the chance of finding a perfect match.

I want to join the registry, what now?

You need to call the Sunflower Fund toll free number, which is 080 021 082 to make sure you meet all the criteria.

They will then process your registration and direct you to the closest donor recruitment clinic.

There they will take a small blood sample – about two teaspoons.

Your blood type is analysed and put on the national database.

This tissue typing is very expensive and funds are limited, so those who can afford it are asked to make a donation towards this cost.

Donors will, in due course, be sent a donor card.

Visit sunflowerfund.org.za for further information.