Rynfield woman needs funds to beat rare cancer
Cathryn said she is a somotologist and since she fell ill, she has had to step away from being as fit as she used to be.
Myelodysplastic syndrome: A disease that causes bone marrow failure resulting in the body failing to make all red and white blood cells, and platelets.
As unexpected as this story’s opening line is, so were the medical results Rynfield resident Cathryn Eastman received in August after constantly feeling fatigued and weak.
“I collapsed in the shower in June and was admitted to the hospital,” Cathryn said.
“Tests were done but one result took six weeks so my diagnosis only came in August.”
Her brother, Richard Eastman, said the disease is rare.
“Cathryn was referred to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital’s histology and oncology departments and has been receiving blood and platelet transfusions almost on a weekly basis since,” he said.
“Her oncologist and the nursing staff have all been amazing and loving towards Cathryn.
“She is only 40 years old and is one of the youngest people to be diagnosed with this type of cancer.
“Cathryn lives with our 70-year-old mom and 93-year-old gran.”
According to medical reports, the only cure for Myelodysplastic syndrome is to have a blood stem cell donation from a matching donor.
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“The stem cell transfusion procedure is only done at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and she would have to be in an isolated room for eight to 12 weeks,” Richard said.
“She will first be given chemotherapy to deplete her immune system and then given the transfusion of donated blood stem cells.
“She is then monitored in hospital for signs of bone marrow rejection.”
Cathryn’s prognostic scale puts her at a moderate to high risk meaning that she will develop Acute Leukemia within 12-15 months if she does not receive a bone marrow transplant (stem cells).
“We were given the bad news that I was not a match to donate my stem cells to Cathryn,” Richard said.
“We were also told that there was no-one on the South African donor registry that matched either.
“The doctor said there are two international donors who were found to be a match but it would cost R600 000 for the procedure and transport of the donated stem cells to South Africa.”
The Eastmans said they made contact with a fund which is an NPO that fights blood diseases like leukemia by recruiting stem cell donors.
“They have said that they will be willing to contribute up to the amount it would cost for a local donor to have the procedure,” Richard explained.
“This amounts to R150 000 that they are willing to contribute to Cathryn’s stem cell donation.
“We are left with an amount of R450 000 that is needed to get the stem cells from the donor in the USA to SA and we are in the process of trying to raise these funds privately.”
“In my profession I need to be fit, I used to do eight massages a day, went to gym, ate healthy, but now I am constantly tired,” she explained.
“Please help me, this is rare but I hope this creates awareness to those out there who may have the disease or do not know what it is about.”
To donate to Cathryn, visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/stem-cells-to-save-cathryn or contact her on 082 865 6293.
“Since this diagnosis my life has changed a lot,” she said.
“I realise who the genuine people are out there and was reminded to appreciate my life.
“It is so important to just let go of all the petty things and focus on having a good future.”
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