More than 7 300 South Africans are diagnosed with blood cancer annually.
Often, their best chance for survival is a stem cell transplant from a matching donor.
To help, over 96 000 potential lifesavers have registered since 2021, when the Sunflower Fund merged with DKMS Africa. But with a one in 100 000 chance of finding a match, they still have work to be done.
It is for this reason that every year in September, the non-profit organisation commemorates Sunflower Day. For this year’s event on September 20, DKMS Africa calls on all South Africans – from individuals and schools to corporates – to contribute financially to the cause.
Every donation will directly support the registration of additional stem cell donors, giving patients hope for a second chance at life.
For businesses, donating not only supports a life-saving cause but also offers potential tax benefits, with reductions available under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act.
Despite being treatable and potentially curable with a transplant, blood cancer still claims the lives of 4 000 South Africans every year.
This is because the chances of finding a matching donor hinges on whether they and the patient share sufficient Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) characteristics.
These are special markers on cells used by the immune system to recognise which cells belong in the body and which do not.
If there is no match, the patient’s body will reject the stem cells provided by the donor. If there is a close match, the patient’s immune system will probably accept these cells as their own. This allows the patient to produce the cells they need to help them recover.
“Darren Serebro and Chris Corlett lost their lives because of being unable to find matching donors,” says Palesa Mokomele, head of community engagement and communications at DKMS Africa.
“Their brave fight against leukaemia prompted the formation of The Sunflower Fund in 1999. A painting titled ‘Sunflowers of Hope’, completed by Chris while undergoing treatment served as the inspiration for the name. Both young men wished for the registry to grow so that future patients would have the chance to live a healthy life.”
Mokomele explains not only is Sunflower Day an opportunity to remember Chris, Darren and the countless other patients who have passed away, but to bring hope to those currently battling blood cancer and blood disorders.
“By registering as many people as possible, we can ensure finding a suitable matching donor for every patient in need,” concludes Mokomele.
Donate through www.dkms-africa.org or register as a stem cell donor at https://www.dkms-africa.org/register-now
For more information, contact DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82.
