Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - More than 7 300 South Africans are diagnosed with blood cancer annually. Often their best chance for survival is a stem cell transplant from a matching donor. To help, over 96 000 potential lifesavers have registered since 2021, when the Sunflower Fund merged with DKMS Africa. But with a 1 in 100 000 chance of finding a match, there is still work to be done.
It’s for this reason that every year in September, the non-profit organisation commemorates Sunflower Day. For this year’s event, taking place on September 20, DKMS Africa is calling on all South Africans - from individuals and schools to corporates - to make a financial contribution to the cause. Every donation will directly support the registration of additional stem cell donors, giving patients hope for a second chance at life.
For businesses, donating not only supports a life-saving cause but also offers potential tax benefits, with reductions available under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act.
Despite being treatable and potentially curable with a transplant, blood cancer still claims the lives of 4 000 South Africans every year. This is because the chances of finding a matching donor hinges on whether they and the patient share sufficient Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) characteristics.
These are special markers on cells used by the immune system to recognise which cells belong in the body and which do not. So, if there isn’t a match, the patient’s body would reject the stem cells provided by the donor. But if there is a close match, the patient’s immune system will likely accept these cells as their own. This allows the patient to make the cells they need to help them recover.
“Darren Serebro and Chris Corlett tragically lost their lives due to being unable to find matching donors,” says Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa.
“Their brave fight against leukemia prompted the formation of The Sunflower Fund in 1999, with a painting titled ‘Sunflowers of Hope’ completed by Chris while undergoing treatment serving as the inspiration for the name. Both young men wished for the registry to grow so that future patients would have the chance to live a healthy life.”
She explains that not only is Sunflower Day an opportunity to remember Chris, Darren and the countless other patients who have passed away, but to bring hope to those currently battling blood cancer and blood disorders.
“By registering as many people as possible, we can one day ensure that a suitable matching donor is found for every patient in need,” concludes Mokomele.
To donate, go to www.dkms-africa.org or better yet, register as a stem cell donor at https://www.dkms-africa.org/register-now.
For more information, contact DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82.
