A fundraising event is set to take place this month to support Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student, Zachary Francis, who is battling aplastic anaemia whilst searching for a life-saving stem cell donor.
The Old School Retro Event will be held at The Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club on 29 November, from 17:00, featuring entertainment from Gqeberha’s Old School DJs. The evening aims to raise funds to help cover Zachary’s mounting medical expenses.
Zachary, a Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase student, was diagnosed with the rare blood disorder earlier this year after a routine doctor’s visit revealed unusually low blood pressure. Aplastic anaemia affects just two to seven people per million annually and occurs when the body stops producing sufficient blood cells.
Despite having medical aid, the family faces significant out-of-pocket expenses, with treatments costing nearly R400,000 in recent months.
“His savings are depleted, and we have to make 20% co-payments for medication and doctor’s visits now,” explained Zachary’s father, Marlon Francis.
Zachary urgently requires a stem cell donor, but none of his family members are a suitable match. According to DKMS Africa, only 0.36% of South Africans are registered as potential stem cell donors, making it challenging for patients from certain ethnic groups to find matches.
For event details, contact Tammy on 081 2111 321. Those interested in registering as stem cell donors can visit www.dkms-africa.org.
