Glenwood school supports donor drive

LOCAL school St Henry’s Marist College hosted a team from DKMS Africa on Thursday, April 20. The team visited the school to raise awareness of blood cancers among Grade 11 and 12 learners.

St Henry’s Marist College educator Liezl McDonald said DKMS Africa is an international non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the fight against blood cancer.

“St Henry’s is partnering with DKMS Africa to raise awareness about blood cancers and to increase the size of their database, to ensure that every patient has hope. DKMS Africa will be on campus at St Henry’s Marist College on Saturday, June 3 to do a recruitment event for possible donors. All it takes is to complete a form and then allow the team to take a swab from your cheek,” she said.

Speaking to Berea Mail, the regional manager for donor recruitment for DKMS Africa, Nockey Mkhize, said the visit was part of the DKMS Africa Schools Programme.

Also read: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital and DKMS partner to improve stem-cell access for children

“This a new project we recently introduced where we go to schools and educate learners on the importance of becoming a stem-cell donor. We also create awareness about blood-cancer signs and symptoms with Grade 11 and 12 learners,” she said.

Mkhize added that anyone can become a stem-cell donor if they are between the ages of 17 and 55. Donors under 18 years old will need a parent or guardian’s consent.

Cancer patient (four) desperately needs donor

Siphiwokuhle Nkosi (four) was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on January 29.

According to DKMS Africa, just 68% of children under the age of 15 with AML live five years after the cancer is found, making a blood stem-cell transplant crucial.

Also read: Glenwood mural shines a light on blood cancer

“This little girl has shown tremendous bravery throughout all her chemotherapy treatments and is still required to go to the hospital for regular check-ups. Her overall health seems to be stable at the moment, and she’s able to play and live a relatively normal life. But we want to ensure that she completely conquers the cancer so she can live life to the fullest,” said Palesa Mokomele, head of community engagement and communications at DKMS Africa.

To register to become a donor, visit: www.dkms-africa.org/register-now. Registration is completely free and takes less than five minutes to complete.

For more information, contact DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82.

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