Help give little Lameez a chance at life

A SERIES of fevers which would not break and weakness in their two-year-old daughter’s limbs has led to Clare Estate resident’s Zaid and Zeenath Ayoob’s worst nightmare.

After conducting the necessary tests in July last year, their daughter, Lameez, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Their adorable and lively little toddler who loved to ride her bike and spend time outdoors playing with her sisters was hospitalised and given only a 40 to 70 percent chance of survival due to the leukaemia’s aggressive nature.

It was decided that a bone marrow stem cell transplant was required as the chemotherapy treatment was unsuccessful.

“This was a turning point in our lives and prayer was the only key to help our innocent baby who had no idea what was happening to her. We were extremely worried as we were told that finding a bone marrow stem cell door match is like looking for your twin and the chances are 1:100 000 within your own ethnic group of finding this life-saving match,” said Zeenath.

Zeenath said their prayers were answered as Lameez’s sisters were tested and both are perfect matches for their baby sister.

“Our hearts go out to those who are not so fortunate and who need to look for a match on the SA Bone Marrow Registry,” said Zeenath.

Lameez is currently on the most aggressive chemotherapy which will hopefully ensure she goes into remission so she can have her life-saving bone marrow stem cell transplant. The transplant is scheduled to take place in Cape Town but their medical aid only covers a portion so the family was left with no option but to start the ‘Lameez Foundation’.

The cost for this type of procedure amounts to around R1 million. Anyone able to make a donation, no matter how small, can make a deposit into the following account and give Lameez a second chance at life. Donations can be deposited into The Lameez Ayoob Foundation, account number: 9289462311 at ABSA bank, branch code 632 005.

The Ayoob’s have collected R298, 000 but still have to raise another R300, 000.

Stephanie Berry, marketing manager for the Sunflower Fund said if anyone is interested in becoming a donor, they can contact the call centre on 0800 12 10 82 or visit the website: www.sunflowerfund.org.za