The donor drive for 14-month-old Atlantis leukaemia patient Gracey Green on Saturday 26 February at the Atlantis City Mall was a tremendous success, said Nadia Chalkley, head of donor recruitment for the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR).
She said the majority of applicants come from Atlantis, but groups also arrived from Mitchell’s Plein, Mamre and the West Coast areas, for which those with the registry are extremely grateful.
“We also observed a younger audience than expected, which means our youth is ready to step up to the call for new donors. We had more than 1 500 enquiries on the day and in excess of 250 successful applicants following the donor exclusion criteria, such as age cut-off or health questionnaire.” First, the health questionnaire is completed, after which eligible candidates are sent the cheek swab via courier.
The SABMR arranges to have this collected again, all free of charge. The cheek swab (also called a buccal swab) collects the cells from the cheeks of the applicants (and is not painful at all). There is no special preparation needed. Once the DNA results are processed the applicant is added to the registry, explained Chalkley. Once a match is found Gracey’s physicians will make the call in terms of the next steps and timing for transplant, she said.
Liezel Solomons, foster mother for little Gracey, said: “We don’t have words for the love and support that was showed at the drive.” She said difficult times await the little fighter as she needs to be monitored closely, and any infection can be dangerous.
Solomons said the centre management supported the family by allowing them to do the drive, and also extended a huge thank you to all who assisted on the day. “We as family appreciate the effort made by all.”
“Our drives will continue indefinitely as it is our mission to help save as many lives as possible,” Chalkley explained.
“We recruit throughout the year as there are many children and adults who suffer from rare blood diseases that need our help to find their perfect match ultimately, so they can have a second chance at life. Our efforts will continue unabated for every single patient referred to us. The more people sign up, the more we are able to assist ultimately.
“The registry does not reflect the South African demographic, so we need more people of colour to sign up. Now there’s a dire shortage.” Applications can be made at www.sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor/ or during any of SABMR’s donor drives.”
