Child (9) with rare disease needs South Coast’s support
Aplastic anemia is a syndrome of bone marrow failure with a rare condition.
THE Sayed family need the South Coast community’s support during this difficult time.
One of their four children, Yousuf (9), suffers from aplastic anemia, a rare disease in which the bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cells are damaged.
Yousuf, who lives with his parents and siblings in Umkomaas, has to visit Port Shepstone Regional Hospital and Albert Luthuli hospital for blood transfusions every two to three weeks.
His sister, Liyana also suffered from the rare disease but has miraculously been healed.
“We are battling financially as we depend on one salary, and are finding the transport costs and Yousuf’s special dietary requirement extremely difficult to afford,” said Mrs Sayed.
She described her son as a ‘normal kid’ who just has to do everything a little slower in case something triggers hemorrhaging.
Living with such a chronic illness makes him prone to infection, an increased heart rate and he sometimes turns very pale, – Sameera Sayed
“He has to eat fresh vegetables and fruit daily and can’t eat anything containing iron.”
My biggest fear is that he goes into cardiac failure and we have no money to help him.
According to Mrs Sayed, Yousuf’s youngest brother, Hanzallah is a possible match for a bone marrow transplant.
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Aplastic anemia is a condition that occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells. It leaves the sufferer feeling fatigued and at greater risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding.
It is a rare and serious condition, which can develop at any age. It may occur suddenly, or it can develop slowly and get worse over a long period of time.
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Treatment for aplastic anemia may include medications, blood transfusions or a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant.
If you can help Mrs Sayed call 081 046 9213.
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