In a shocking turn from expected school year excitement, Sandy Frewen’s unusual fatigue led to a leukaemia diagnosis, driving her to organise a stem cell donor drive in her brave fight to get back to her beloved Grade 1 classroom.
Johannesburg, South Africa (26 September 2025) – When the school year began in January, St John’s Pre-Preparatory teacher Sandy Frewen was excited for what lay ahead, but she found that getting “school fit” took longer and left her significantly more tired than normal. When her condition failed to improve, Sandy visited the doctor in February.
Her condition not improving, Sandy decided to go to the doctor in February, where blood tests were done. The following day, she received a diagnosis that came as an enormous shock and would alter her world entirely.
Sandy had B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL). A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It originates in B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune system to help prevent infection by producing antibodies.
“I have not returned to school since,” Sandy shares with Good Things Guy.
“The energy and business, often craziness, of my Grade 1 classroom full of the most delightful little souls, has been the thing that I have missed the most. It felt as if I was living in a parallel universe, and I wanted my old life back so badly.”
The prayers and support of her friends, colleagues and family have been a source of strength for Sandy as she faces each day with indomitable courage.
“I am surrounded by the most faithful and loving family and amazing, warm and caring friends who have shown deep compassion, laughed with me, cried with me and most importantly, prayed with me. I feel very blessed. All these incredible people and most of all my amazingly supportive husband have helped me persevere through this challenging time,” Sandy says.
Her only chance of beating this disease is a bone marrow transplant from a matching donor.
When a confirmed donor match from the USA backed out of proceeding with the transplant, Sandy was left devastated.
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“You can only imagine my disappointment on hearing this news.”
However, she remains undeterred in her will to live to the fullest and get back to teaching her Grade 1s again.
“I most look forward to returning to my busy classroom, to building our retirement house in Kenton and meeting my grandson, who was born in May in London and whom I have not been able to ‘meet’ as I am not allowed to fly.”
In her continued search for the perfect donor match, Sandy has, with the support of DKMS Africa, organised two donor drives: the first will be held at her school, St John’s Pre-Prep in Johannesburg and the second at Dr Lene le Roux’s Practice in Cape Town.
“These donor days are hugely successful in creating awareness of blood cancer and bringing about life-giving changes to many others who are searching for a perfect match.”
If you are between the ages of 17-55 and in good health, you could be the perfect stem cell match Sandy needs.
Donor Drive Details
29 September: St. John’s College Prep Hall situated on St Patrick Road in Houghton from 7 am to 4 pm
30 September: Dr Lene le Roux’s Practice on 11 Imam Haron Road, Claremont, Cape Town from 10 am to 3 pm.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu |Sandy Frewen
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