Adventurous duo attempt Mafadi peak for donor awareness
Hikers to summit SA's highest peak to raise awareness about blood disorders
CAPETONIAN adventurer and bone marrow donor, Clayton Coetzer (30), and KZN mountaineer, Gavin Raubenheimer, will attempt to ascend South Africa’s highest peak, between 7 and 9 September, to raise awareness about life-threatening blood disorders.
The courageous duo will be tackling the Mafadi peak, which is part of the Drakensberg mountain range, in recognition of donors, while encouraging others to register.
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The pair will start at an altitude of 1 470m from Injisuthi Camp, hiking about five hours to Centenary Hut where they will stay overnight.
The following day, they will ascend to the Drakensberg escarpment, and summit Mafadi – 3 451m above sea level.
According to the SA Bone Marrow Register’s search co-ordinator, Alicia Venter, blood cancer cases have been increasing at a faster pace than other cancers.
Research also indicates that the global incidence of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia have increased by 45% and 26% respectively.
By registering as a bone marrow donor, there is more chance of individuals finding a life-saving blood match.
The important factor in finding a match is the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) – a complex set of genes in a person’s DNA that regulates immunity.
When it comes to matching HLA types, ethnicity plays an important role and, in South Africa, there is a growing need for donors of colour.
The pair are calling on all South Africans to unite behind the campaign this Heritage Month. Citizens are challenged to post photos of themselves hiking in solidarity, or swabbing their cheeks for the donor registry, at www.facebook.com/sabonemreg/ over these two days.
During this time, donors will also be doing cheek swabs in Agulhas, the southern-most point of the country; and Musina, the northern-most region, to encourage registrations.
People can follow Coetzee and Raubenheimer’s journey on the Facebook page.
Anyone wanting to become a bone marrow donor (18 to 45 years), can contact the SABMR on 021 447 8638 or email donors@sabmr.co.za. For more information, visit www.sabmr.co.za
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