A stem cell transplant saved Anél’s life
Anél van Niekierk who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia received a stem cell transplant from her brother which saved her life. This bright young lady was recently chosen as a Miss Commonweatlh finalist and she urges the public to become donors and give other cancer sufferers a second chance.
ALBERTON-Anél van Niekerk (31) is one of the lucky few who received a stem cell transplant to beat leukemia and today she urges stem cell donors to come forward and save someone else’s life.
Anél, a Pretoria resident, shared her story with the RECORD.
In September 2012, Anél was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and, at that stage, her body was already riddled with cancer.
“I was admitted on the Sunday and, on the Monday, I went into 30 days of isolation, where I received aggressive chemo 24 hours a day,” she said.
During this period Anél had infections, lost weight and received regular blood transfusions.
“I was placed on disability and could not return to work and life in general until 15 months after diagnosis. It was a very hard time for my family and I.”
The chemotherapy was ineffective and a stem cell transplant was Anél’s only hope for a cure.
There is only a 25 percent chance that a sibling is a suitable donor but in December 2012 both her brothers were tested for a possible match and, when it was confirmed that Nean, her middle brother, was a match, the family’s joy knew no bounds.
“He lovingly donated his stem cells and February 21, 2013, the day I received the transplant, now marks my birthday. If it wasn’t for the stem cell transplant I would not be alive today,” she said.
Anél, a pharmacist, member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and an avid musician at the June Kraus Academy, sees her life as a miracle. She even entered the Miss Commonwealth competition this year and was chosen as a finalist.
“I want to create a platform from which I can develop my musical career and also be a voice of hope,” she said. “People faced with cancer are very dear to my heart and I support the Sunflower Foundation, where I met amazing people fighting leukemia.”
The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is in desperate need of stem cell donors from all ethnic groups. The Sunflower Fund’s purpose is to educate, recruit and raise funds to build and sustain an effective registry for South Africans diagnosed with leukemia and other life-threatening blood disorders.
To become a donor and save a life, contact the toll free number 0800 12 10 82 or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za
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