Support Sunflower Day – It’s the ubuntu thing to do
Inspire people by wearing a Tube of Hope on Sunflower Day
South Africans are urged to inspire hope among people who suffer from blood disorders and raise awareness around much needed blood stem cell transplants on Sunflower Day on Friday.
They can do this by wearing Tubes of Hope (TOPE).
ALSO READ: Dice calls on Spar shoppers for support
Funds raised from the sale of the versatile TOPE – the headband, mask, scarf, cap or armband – go towards helping recruit blood stem cell (bone marrow) donors, as well as towards a patient support fund, which helps patients who need financial assistance in getting a transplant.
This year’s Sunflower Day is dedicated to celebrating the power of hope, as hope can come in the form of a second chance at life through the loving gesture of a blood stem cell donation.
Registering to donate blood stem cells is painless and involves three DNA swabs collected from the inside of the mouth and cheeks, and can be done from the comfort of a potential donor’s home.
If a candidate is a match, they will be contacted to donate.
The procedure is non-invasive and painless and does not require an operation, anaesthetic or incision.
TOPES (R30) are available at Pick n Pay, selected ICPA pharmacies and online at Zando.
Anyone interested in becoming a donor (between the ages of 18-55 and in general good health) is encouraged to register.
For more information and to register, visit dkms-africa.org, or call 0800 12 10 82.
