The Sunflower Fund’s call to diversify the stem cell database is working! You can save a life by doing a simple swab test and boosting the diversity of the donor list.
South Africa (11 March 2021) – 14-year-old Naledi was diagnosed with leukaemia in May of 2020 and has been unable to find a blood stem cell match from a South African donor. The Sunflower Fund is raising awareness to help expand its database with the hope to diversify the ethnicity of the database.
Unfortunately, patients of colour are at a distinct disadvantage due to the low number of registered donors from the Black, Coloured and Indian population groups in the global donor database.
The solutions are straightforward, people from these ethnic groups need only apply for a swab kit from the Sunflower Fund, and the database will grow.
Thankfully, since the Sunflower Fund’s appeal, 672 potential stem cell donors applied for swab kits to help diversify the current database.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our community for Naledi’s appeal. So far 672 potential stem cell donors have been registered online.
We thank you for your willingness to help the many patients suffering from a life-threatening blood disorder.
Continue to spread Naledi’s story to help us raise awareness around the need for stem cell donors. If you have any swab kit queries, please contact us at [email protected] or 0800 12 10 82″
The Sunflower Fund is hoping by raising awareness about their database and asking to boost its ethnic diversity, they can find a match for young Naledi, who is currently in need of a life-saving match. Not only will Naledi benefit from a growing stem cell list, but so will every child currently waiting for their stem cell match in South Africa.
Future Doctor Naledi Hopes to find a Match.
Naledi and her family are asking for your help. Naledi, 14, is battling leukaemia and is in need of a blood stem cell transplant to give her a second chance at life.
This talented, star student dreams of one day becoming a doctor. Naledi was diagnosed in May 2020 after experiencing severe body pains, lack of appetite and fatigue. Her family and friends were devastated by the news; the disbelief overwhelmed Naledi, “since my diagnosis, I cannot perform well in school or sport. I cannot even finish my schooling”.
Related Stories
Make Breast Health a Priority, Not Just in October But All Year Long
Book Review: A Strange, Magical Journey Through Cape Town with The Which Word
Leukaemia is a blood cancer caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in your body. Those white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells and platelets that your body needs to be healthy. The extra white blood cells don’t work optimally.
Unfortunately, Naledi’s siblings are not a match leaving her to rely on an unrelated matching donor.
If you are between the ages of 18-55 and in general good health, request a swab kit to become a stem cell donor today. If you would like to become a donor, you can request a swab kit from the Sunflower Fund here. Please note that things are delayed due to the pandemic, so please communicate with the organisation regarding any delays.
Should you not qualify to donate your marrow, you can still support the organisation by raising funds for their cause. You can also offer to cover the courier fees of your test to help take some of the financial burdens off the organisation.
by 
