In just a few short days, Olive Noel (9), a grade 3 learner of Eunice Primary School, will be on her way to get a life changing operation in the Netherlands.

Olive, that was diagnosed with a rare genetic bone marrow failure syndrome, is kept alive by blood transfusions every three weeks and daily medication.

She is frequently hospitalised as her body cannot fight off even minor infections.

Six weeks after Olive was born, she became unexpectedly critically ill. Tests revealed severe aplastic anaemia, her haemoglobin had dropped to three (normal for her age is around 14), and her bone marrow was not producing blood properly. She was admitted to neonatal ICU in heart failure, waiting urgently for a blood transfusion.

That crisis marked the start of months of investigations including blood tests, scans, bone marrow biopsies, and eventually specialised genetic testing in the United Kingdom. The results confirmed a mutation in keeping with a diagnosis of Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), a rare genetic bone marrow failure syndrome.

By now, Olive has received more than 150 transfusions. To prevent iron overload, a serious complication that can damage the liver, heart and other organs, she takes daily medication and undergoes regular monitoring.

She is also persistently neutropenic, meaning her immune system struggles to fight infection. Even minor infections can become life-threatening, and this has resulted in frequent hospital admissions over the years and regular injectable medication to stimulate white blood cell production.

To reduce the risk of transfusion reactions, Olive has been supported by a dedicated group of nine blood donors who give specifically for her every 8 to 12 weeks. These extraordinary individuals, her “Guardian Angels”, have sustained her life for nearly a decade.

Despite everything, Olive is a joyful, determined nine-year-old who continues to grow, learn, and love life.

After years of careful management and international consultation, her medical team now agrees that the time has come for a stem cell transplant. This treatment offers the possibility of curing her bone marrow failure and giving her the chance at a longer, healthier life.

In April, Olive is scheduled to undergo a stem cell transplant at a specialised centre in the Netherlands. It is a high-risk procedure and will require a stay of three to six months for intensive treatment and recovery. While her family has been preparing for this step for many years, the financial implications are significant. The cost of treatment is substantial, reimbursement from medical aid and insurance remains uncertain, and there may be loss of income during this period.

The Noel family has been carried by extraordinary support over the years, from medical professionals all over the world, friends, family, blood donors and even strangers. They remain deeply grateful for every prayer, meal, blood donation, message, and act of generosity that has sustained them so far.

If you are able to contribute financially, share this campaign, or keep Olive in your prayers, it would mean more than words can express. Every gesture of support helps move Olive one step closer to a future free from transfusions and constant medical risk.

As this is an overwhelming time for the Noel family, their friends, Cathy Meiring and Michelle Blair, will be managing the fundraising and administration of the Backabuddy campaign.

All funds will be collected and administered by the Olive Children’s Foundation, a registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation. Up to date, more than R75 872 was contributed to help Olive and her family.  Follow the link to Olive’s Stem Cell Transplant Fund.