February 21, 2024

5-year-old battles rare blood cancer: Urgent call for compatible stem donor

In commemoration of International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15, Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, shared poignant insights with Independent Media Lifestyle about the harsh realities faced by families dealing with childhood cancer.

Mokomele expressed the significance of International Childhood Cancer Day as a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer and offering support to children, adolescents, survivors, and their families. She emphasized that childhood cancer is a leading cause of death among young individuals worldwide, with over 400,000 cases diagnosed annually in those under 20 years old.

Highlighting the critical role of stem cell donations, Mokomele stressed that heightened awareness could significantly impact the chances of saving young lives. Stem cells often serve as the last hope for children battling various blood cancers, making increased awareness and donor registration essential.

Mokomele shared the touching story of Arthie Ishwarlal, whose daughter, Preshthi, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2021 at the age of two. Despite undergoing treatment, Preshthi experienced a relapse earlier this year, highlighting the urgent need for a stem cell transplant from a compatible donor. Unfortunately, no match has been found on the country's stem cell registry.

Stressing the importance of stem cell donations, Mokomele noted that leukaemia and lymphomas are prevalent among South African youth, underscoring the need for a diverse pool of donors. She urged healthy individuals aged 17 to 55 to register as donors, emphasizing the life-saving potential of their contributions.

In observance of International Childhood Cancer Day, the South African government and major health organizations reiterated their commitment to supporting young cancer patients. Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals and communities in providing comprehensive support to affected families.

Mokomele emphasized the need for a more ethnically diverse pool of stem cell donors, particularly in light of the challenges faced by young patients like Preshthi. She highlighted the urgency of increasing donor diversity to enhance the chances of finding compatible matches for patients from various ethnic backgrounds.

South Africans interested in contributing to this life-saving cause can register as stem cell donors for free on the DKMS Africa website. Mokomele encouraged individuals to take a few minutes to register and potentially make a profound difference in the lives of young cancer patients like Preshthi. For further information, individuals can contact DKMS Africa at 0800 12 10 82.