Give the gift of life this Christmas

YOUNG Robbie Eddles and Neli Mthembu have one thing in common, they are both relying on the kindness of strangers to give them the amazing gift of life.

When asked what their wishes were for Christmas, they responded: “Please become a registered donor. It only takes five minutes of your time and a small blood sample to register as a donor and you may be the person who could save someone’s life. You don’t even have to know the patient to sign up. All we want is for potential donors to share a little bit of their time to give leukaemia patients like us the opportunity to create a lifetime of new memories.”

Sharleigh Wilken received her life saving bone marrow stem cell transplant on 1 October 2014. Sharleigh’s message to the public is: “miracles do happen and one never knows how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

This festive season, The Sunflower Fund is running a SMS campaign. The organisation urges all South Africans to spare a thought and take the time to SMS “LIFE” to 40555 to donate R20 to The Sunflower Fund and help to ‘Share a Little, Save a Life’ (SMS charged at R20).

Funds raised through this SMS campaign will contribute to creating awareness around the need for stem cell donors and allow The Sunflower Fund to pay for the test costs of people wishing to join the national registry.

The Sunflower Fund’s toll free number (0800 12 10 82) is closed between 14 December and 11 January. If you are interested in becoming a donor for any patient with leukaemia or a life threatening blood disorder, contact The Sunflower Fund in the New Year. For more information on becoming a donor visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za