The non-profit organisation (NPO) DKMS Africa is calling on South Africans, individuals and corporates, to this year again make Sunflower Day a success by contributing financially or registering as a donor. This year, Sunflower Day will be observed on 20 September.
In 2021, the Sunflower Fund merged with DKMS Africa. Proceeds now go to the NPO to enable its continual rendering of essential services to those affected by the rate of more than 7 300 South Africans diagnosed with blood cancer annually. Often their best chance for survival is a stem cell transplant from a matching donor. To help, over 96 000 potential lifesavers have registered since 2021.
“But with a one in 100 000 chance of finding a match, there is still work to be done,” said Palesa Mokomele, spokesperson for DKMS Africa.
It is for this reason that every year in September, the NPO commemorates Sunflower Day.
Every donation directly supports the registration of additional stem cell donors, giving patients hope for a second chance at life. For businesses, donating not only supports a life-saving cause – but also offers potential tax benefits, with reductions available under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act.
Despite being treatable and potentially curable with a transplant, blood cancer still claims the lives of 4 000 South Africans every year.
“This is because the chances of finding a matching donor hinges on whether they and the patient share sufficient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) characteristics. These are special markers on cells used by the immune system to recognise which cells belong in the body and which do not,” explains Mokomele.
“So, if there is not a match, the patient’s body will reject the stem cells provided by the donor. But if there is a close match, the patient’s immune system will likely accept these cells as their own. This allows the patient to make the cells they need to help them recover.”
To donate, go to dkms-africa.org. To register as a stem cell donor, click on “Register now” on the same website.
