Help 10-year-old Siya beat cancer

WESTVILLE Senior Primary School will host a Bone Marrow Donor Drive on Wednesday, June 22. The drive will be held to help 10-year-old Syamthanda Nxasana who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2021, the day after Christmas.

This will be hosted by South African Bone Marrow Registry ( SABMR). Anyone between the ages of 16 to 45 years may go through to be tested, to see if they are a bone marrow match for Siya or anyone else battling leukaemia.

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“The news came as a great shock, particularly during the time of family, thanksgiving and goodwill,” said Grade Five acting department head, Peta Mumford.

Siya, as she is fondly known by her friends and family, has spent most of her 2022 school year in hospital, where she has been bravely battling this disease.

“She has missed her family and friends terribly. It has been a very trying time for Siya and her family – emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and financially,” said Mumford.

The brave Siya has a strong fighting spirit, and on days when her treatment is not weighing her down, she boldly beams with a beautiful smile of hope and determination.

“After months of aggressive chemotherapy, Siya’s battle is not yet over, and there is still much hope on the horizon. She is now at a stage in her treatment where she is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant. Since no familial matches were found, the search is now on for a donor. This is going to be a very costly and trying battle ahead, but this procedure will give her a stronger fighting chance at beating this disease,” said Mumford.

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Like most 10-year-olds, Siya’s eyes sparkle with hopes and dreams, and in her heart lies boundless potential. She enjoys singing and dancing, and one day wants to be a doctor, a singer or a dancer.

“We would like to see this brave young girl achieve her dreams, and we appeal to the public to join us in helping Syamthanda fight and beat cancer. Due to expensive treatments this year, Siya’s medical funds have been exhausted, and much-needed funds will help contribute to Siya’s urgent medical costs,” said Mumford.

Anyone who wants to contribute may contact Peta Mumford at Westville Senior Primary School. The drive will be held from 07:30 until 09:00.

“This process of testing is easy and takes the form of a quick mouth swab. Please come and help us support Siya,” appealed Mumford.

People who are unable to come to Syamthanda’s Donor Drive on Wednesday June 22, visit SABMR page and register to become a donor – a test kit/s will be sent to you free of charge.

The website address is https://sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor/.