I was born in Vanderbijlpark, but raised in Vereeninging, where I attended Hoerskool Vereeniging. I now stay in Moreletapark in Pretoria-East, with my beautiful little family. I am married to the most amazing husband, and we are blessed with 2 blonde little girls. Lily turned 7 this year and Olivia 2. I am in the IT industry; I am a systems developer for a prominent telecommunications company. I have completed my 16th year in the industry this year.
I registered with SAMBR about 10 years ago. I am a regular blood donor, so we always donated at work when SANBS comes to do the blood drives. SAMBR was there, and all I had to do was a mouth swab and I was done. I registered knowing that if my number gets pressed on, that it would be to save a life.
When I received the call from SABMR telling me that I am a potential match for a patient with a blood disease, I was a little nervous, as I did not know exactly what to expect. But not scared, because I knew that what I was about to do, was to contribute to someone’s life in a way that no one else ever would be possible to do.
When I told people that I was going to donate bone marrow stem cells, most people had the terrified look of “so you doing a lumber punch” , but I explained to them the way I was explained that it’s not done like that anymore, and I shared the way of harvest as I know it now: That I was going to be connected to a harvesting machine, that will collect the stem cells, and that doesn’t even hurt.
The process before the harvest was made as convenient as possible to me by the SAMBR team. Everything was arranged for me from the word go. I had to go for extra blood tests, and this was arranged at the closest centre, then I had to go for my medical check-ups and SAMBR also arranged to have that at the hospital 2min away from my house. There was the injections I had to administer for a few days before the harvest; I could not inject myself, but my hero husband assisted very diligently every morning. Only the first day of the injections I had a bit of lower back pain, but after that everything was a-okay.
When the day for the harvest finally came, I was nervous, but so very ready. The staff from SAMBR and the harvesting hospital was very accommodating and helpful. I was pampered and looked after the entire day. We shared, laughed and chatted while this insanely cool machine was running at speeds of light to spin my blood and give me back what I needed and keep what the patent needed. It’s amazing to know how technology has improved.
After the donation, I went home and I was a little bit tired that same day, but soon back to my old self, and I have not felt any negative effects of the donation to date.
Since the donation, life has been as normal as can be. I have had no repercussions from my donation. I received a beautiful letter from my receiving patient, and I look forward to one day meeting her. It is 100% a privilege to have been able to set an example for my children, family and friends.
The SAMBR team is such a beautiful, supportive team, that really made this seemingly scary experience one of hope, and knowing there is people that care makes all the difference.
I believe we must leave this place a little bit better than what we found it. I don’t think I am a hero. I just showed up when someone needed me. And that’s all this world needs: for more people to start showing up.