“All this world needs is for more people to start showing up.” - (Estee Lotter)
A match – and a life saved!
“I’m an ordinary wife to an amazing husband; mother to two beautiful little blonde girls aged seven and two; I was born in Vanderbijlpark, raised in Vereeniging, and now live in Pretoria East; and I’m a systems developer in the IT industry.
“I’m also a regular blood donor in the workplace, and by way of a simple mouth swab, I registered with SABMR about 10 years ago during one of the blood drives.
“Then one day I got a call to say that I was a match!" “I was a little nervous at first, not knowing exactly what to expect. But I knew that what I was about to do was to contribute to someone’s life in a way that nobody else could possibly do.”
CONVENIENT AND EASY
“The process before the harvest was made as convenient as possible for me by the SABMR team. Everything was arranged for me – extra blood tests and medical check-ups were booked at my closest venues. And my wonderful husband diligently administered the required injections every morning before the procedure.
“When the day came, I was totally ready. I was pampered and looked after the whole day. We shared, laughed and chatted whilst this incredible machine ran at speeds of light to spin my blood. It then gave me back what I needed, and kept what the patient needed. The improvement in technology is astonishing.
“At the end of the donation day, I was a little bit tired, but I quickly bounced back to my old self, and haven’t felt any negative effects of my donation to date.
“Since the donation, life went back to being as normal as can be. I received a beautiful letter of thanks from my receiving patient, and I look forward to one day meeting her.
A PRIVILEGE
“It’s been a 100% privilege to have been of help, and to be able to set an example for my children, family and friends.
“And the caring and supportive SABMR team make this an experience of hope for both the stem cell donor and the recipient.
“I believe that we must all leave this place a little better than when we find it. I don’t think I’m a hero. I just showed up when someone needed me. And that’s all this world needs – for more people to start showing up.”