Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukaemia Awareness Month is commemorated annually from 15 August to 15 October.
With very little focus and fanfare around this very important topic, The Sunflower Fund is calling out the hero in all South Africans. The fight against leukaemia and other blood diseases is all about you, your family, friends, peers and the community. You can do something to make a difference to patients needing a blood stem cell transplant. The action is simple: Purchase your Tope (Tube of Hope) and celebrate Sunflower Day.
A Tope is an appealing, trendy and multi-purpose accessory which can be worn as a headband, mask, scarf, cap or armband. Topes will be available for R30 each at Pick n Pay stores across the country, selected independent pharmacies or online at Zando during August and September. “We are very excited about this year’s design, which comes in six vibrant colours, with an introduction of a grey option and inspired by a message of hope” says Alana James, CEO at The Sunflower Fund. “We hope to see everyone wearing their TOPE on Sunflower Day in support of our patients and survivors and to raise awareness about the very important and urgent topic of blood stem cell donation.”
The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘There is a hero is all of us’. The campaign aims to draw people out of slacktivism and get them mobilised and engaged in a simple action. Just choosing to do something for someone else and expecting nothing in return brings out the hero in all of us!
Blood diseases are no respecter of age, gender or race and the patients impacted cover a broad age spectrum and all race groups. Funds raised will offer the hope of life to patients in need of a life-saving blood stem cell transplant. All monies raised goes towards recruiting donors to The Sunflower Fund’s blood stem cell registry. “We once again, aim to sell 200 000 TOPES and encourage both our loyal and new supporters to rally together and get on board to help us reach our goal,” James concluded.
Details: Visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za to make a quick and easy cash donation.
