Welcome boost for Sunflower Fund
A donation of more than R51 000 will be used to include more donors on the SA Bone Marrow Registry.
A New Year boost of more than R51 000 was gratefully welcomed by Stephanie Berry and Allison Naidoo of The Sunflower Fund. The Fund received the donation from Netcells representatives Sandy Chaplin and Julie Pilditch.
Netcells encouraged gynaecologists nationally who do stem cell collections to donate their procedural fees to a chosen charity for the year. The Sunflower Fund has been Netcell’s charity of choice for the last two years and due to the kindness of the doctors this year they were able to donate an amount of R51 403.34 to The Fund.
The money will be used to include more donors on the South African Bone Marrow Registry, in turn giving hope to all those diagnosed with leukaemia and other life-threatening blood disorders.
The Sunflower Fund is the only organisation that educates and recruits potential bone marrow stem cell donors. “It only takes two test tubes of blood to become a donor and if you are a successful match, the donor process is as painless as donating blood” explains Stephanie Berry, PR & Event Specialist for The Sunflower Fund in KwaZulu Natal.
“Bone marrow is no longer surgically removed but additional white blood cells are harvested directly from the blood stream much like donating blood or platelets. Donors must however be aware that they are joining the Registry to help any patient in need of a transplant”, continues Stephanie.
To become a bone marrow stem cell donor contact toll free 0800 12 10 82 or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za
