Jandré is still urgently in need of donations

No words could describe the gratefulness Jandré van Coller’s (3) parents, Angélique and Pierre, felt when they heard that Jandré is in remission.

Jandré was diagnosed with early precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2019. He had been ill for a long time as doctors struggled to diagnose him.

“Doctors in London strongly suggested he should be treated with two types of chemo, peg laspar and nelerabrine, which has only recently been approved in America,” said Angélique.

During this difficult time, the van Coller family did everything possible to raise money and are thankful to those who contributed.

Jandré’s story might be positive at this point, but he still has a long road of bone marrow transplants to go through and is still in need of funds.

“The national stem cell registry came up with 100 matches. However, there’s a strong possibility that he will be in consideration for an international match.

“The national matches have only been tested for eight of 10 prerequisites and 10 prerequisites have to be met. Testing these national matches are time consuming, and time is restricted.

“The doctor informed us they can no longer wait for a national match to be found, they will have to choose an international match. Waiting would risk Jandré coming out of remission or becoming too sick from more chemo to be able to go forward with a transplant.

“Thus far, we have raised R170 000, but doctors reckon we will need to pay about R450 000 if the medical aid is willing to handle the transplant as a national one and still contribute the equivalent of a national donor transplant.

“Jandré will need the outstanding funds in less than a week.”

Therefore, Angélique is inviting the public to the following fund-raising events:

• The Chocolate, Wine and Everything Fine event that will be held at 2.30pm for 3pm on September 7 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre. Tickets are available at R250 per person and R450 per couple and there are 10 tickets per table. This includes a welcome drink, decadent finger food and live entertainment. Businesses are also welcome to become involved.

• Hosted at the Emperors Palace Barnyard Theatre on September 10, Cirque Rock is a visual experience that takes place in an urban street setting. This will be combined with high energy dance moves. Purchase your tickets at www.miid.co.za/Events/PurchaseTickets?eventID=14254 There are 190 tickets available. Angelique said it promises to be an amazing event and that jewels will be raffled.

• Die Rewolusie Gholf Dag at the ERPM Golf Club on September 3. It is R2 000 for a four-ball. Contact Chris on 082 456 8028, Jaco on 082 733 0140 or Le Beau on 061 439 1395.

• Fund-raising IPS Golf Day at Heidelberg Golf Club on September 4. It is R250 per person – boerewors roll included. Contact Mandie on 083 735 8208.

ALSO READ: Parents need urgent support to help Jandré fight leukemia