Ashton Dry (11) from Port Edward was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
After many blood tests, a bone marrow aspiration and lumbar puncture, it was found to be a very aggressive form of leukemia, and Ashton had to begin aggressive chemotherapy straight away.
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This involves intense treatment for eight days, followed by a week of recovery.
Then another bone marrow aspiration and lumbar puncture will be performed to see how he is responding to treatment.
Once Ashton is in remission, tests will be carried out to find his bone marrow type, and thereafter he will need a full bone marrow transplant.
This is where his parents, Kevin and Nicole Dry need your help.
There is a one in 100 000 chance of finding a match.
His brother, Cody is his best chance, followed by his parents and then the general public.
The current registry has 77 000 registered donors in a nation of 57 million people.
The Eddles family in Gauteng recently undertook a huge awareness bone marrow drive for their son, Robbie, who was a guest on the Big Favour on East Coast Radio recently.
The family has managed to generate so much public support that the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) had to get in extra volunteers to help with the testing and running of the screening process.
This is fantastic news and gives hope to so many more.
If you are between the ages of 18 to 45 years of age you are eligible to be screened.
No blood is required, a swab will be sent to you FREE of charge. You may just well be the match someone is waiting for.
If this is not an option, donations are voluntary and any amount will go a long way as the SABMR test kit and courier fees amount to R200.
Visit the website www.sabmr.co.za, click on the ‘Join the Registry’ and then ‘Become a Donor’, answer a few questions and you will receive the details and forms via email. The contact number for SABMR is 021 447 8638.
The Dry family is extremely thankful for the incredible support thus far and believe that God will bring healing, not just to Ashton, but to many more children because of this.
For further information or if you can donate, no matter how big or small, to help Ashton, contact Lee at 082 3227210.
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