Pietermaritzburg resident Lynn King was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, a rare blood disorder on 20th April 2006 at the age of 23 after experiencing unexplained bruising, fatigue, excessive bleeding, mouth ulcers and constant infections.
 
After six years of treatment and constantly relapsing, Lynn desperately needs to find a bone marrow stem cell donor match in order to survive. Her only sibling has been tested and is not a match. Her family was very disappointed when Lynn was diagnosed and still questions the cause of the Aplastic Anaemia and still showing signs of concern at their daughter's uncertain future.
 
Lynn loves reading, crafty things, cooking and baking. She has taken up photography after having had to give up teaching due to the constant risk of infection and fatigue.
 
"Own your illness and empower yourself with as much information as you can. Remain positive with a strong mind that knows no boundaries. Please encourage and support friends and family to become donors", says Lynn.

Virika Naidoo, who turned eight in December 2011, is in hospital every two to three weeks for blood and platelet transfusions as her bone marrow does not produce platelets nor sufficient red and white blood cells. Virika was diagnosed with the blood disorder, Fanconi Anemia, a few days after her birthday last year and if she doesn't have a bone marrow stem cell transplant soon, it could lead to leukaemia.
 
Virika's parents, Krishnee and Ravi were very concerned when she showed flu-like symptoms and was not able to stand.
 
Virika's brother has been tested but they are still waiting for the results. The family is encouraging everyone who is healthy to please consider becoming blood donors and also to register as a bone marrow stem cell donor.

Nishal Seetharam was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on 25th July 2011 at the age of 29 after experiencing flu-like symptoms, a rash, severe pain in his side and bleeding gums.

He went into remission after two stages of chemotherapy but has unfortunately relapsed with the cancer returning to his spine and bone marrow.

Read more: Nishal Seetharam

Isma’eel’s mom made sure to give her son an unforgettable surprise when he arrived at The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital for his checkup in a bright red Ferrari!

Here is his story.
My name is Isma’eel Mcklein and I am four years old, the second youngest in our family.  In 2010 just a week after my 4th birthday after having a bad cold that developed into Bronchial Pneumonia and after lots of pricking and prodding, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). All due to a cold and the fact that I had a sore back, and was unable to walk after I fell off a chair.  My family could not believe what was happening to me and was told that I needed to be re-admitted to hospital after having already spent a full week in Mitchells Plain and Gatesville Hospital.

Read more: Ferrari Ride Surprise

In June 2010, Reece was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia – a form of congenital aplastic anemia.  Reece’s bone marrow is not capable of producing blood counts, and this essentially means that Reece has a weak immune system.  

What this means for Reece on a day-to-day basis is careful screening of visitors when he is particularly suffering from chronic nose bleeds, stomach problems and loss of appetite, lethargy and generally not feeling much like a 6 year old should.

A successful bone marrow transplant would cure the blood problem associated with Fanconi Anemia and essentially restore Reece’s immune system.  It will give Reece a second chance.  In short, it can save Reece’s life.
Become a bone marrow stem cell today, call 0800 12 10 82.

For more information or if you would like to follow Reece’s Journey visit his website : www.reece-smit.co.za