A DRIVE to increase the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) has surpassed the expectations of Kerry Moller, whose nephew Robbie Eddles is fighting for another chance at life after being diagnosed with leukaemia for the third time.
Kerry, who is from Cape Town, visited Durban this month, bringing with her boxes of swab kits which she dropped off at Robbie’s school, Clifton College and Durban Girls’ College.
“It has been an astounding week. The SAMBR has had 8 800 new donor registrations and this number is climbing daily!” she said.
At Clifton College, 35 boys, staff and parents joined the registry and the Durban Girls’ College drive on Valentine’s Day was a huge success with nearly 300 new donors swabbed.
“It has been amazing. Robbie’s biggest wish is to grow the registry. He said that if this is his legacy, he will be happy,” she said.
Kerry said Robbie was doing well this week.
“His spirits are high and he has been allowed home for the weekend. His oncologist, Monica Vaithalingum, is pleased with his bloods and is managing to keep him stable while we explore further treatment options – but we need a match!” she said.
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Speaking to Berea Mail Robbie’s sister Gillian said he was positive and ‘chirpy’.
“He is incredible and is being very strong and resilient.”
“At first he was upset by his rediagnosis, but the next day he said ‘I can do this!’ With all the bloods and tests he doesn’t moan and as a family we are closer and are pulling together. We have had incredible support through the drives and with people sending their love and messages and offering help, from as far as Canada, Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand. We are up and down emotionally, it is hard, but it has been made a bit easier through the support and love,” she said.
To become a donor or to help raise funds for the SABMR visit: www.sabmr.co.za, or www.robbieeddles.co.za.
Contact Kerry Moller on 082 579 0055.
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