A donor drive in the Northern Cape aims to help 27-year-old Charlene Steenkamp find a stem cell match. Picture: Supplied
DKMS Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer, is set to host a donor drive in the Northern Cape to help 27-year-old Charlene Steenkamp find a life-saving stem cell donor.
Diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia, a rare genetic disorder that leads to progressive bone marrow failure, Charlene’s journey has been one of resilience, strength, and unwavering hope. Now, she is in urgent need of a stem cell transplant - a procedure that could offer her a second chance at life.
The donor registration drive will take place on Friday, February 7, from 10am to 3pm, at TD Kerk, 2 Dobbin Street, New Park, Kimberley. Community members between the ages of 18 and 55 are encouraged to register as potential donors and help make a difference.
Charlene’s Story: A Testament of Courage
Charlene’s health struggles began early in life. At just seven years old, she underwent heart valve replacement surgery. As she grew older, her symptoms worsened - frequent fatigue, loss of appetite, severe cramps, and unexplained body pain became part of her daily reality. A sudden fainting episode at school prompted further medical tests, ultimately leading to her diagnosis of Fanconi anaemia.
“It was overwhelming to hear the diagnosis,” Charlene shares. “But I knew I had to keep going, for myself and for the people who love me.”
Despite the constant battles with her health, Charlene finds solace in gardening, a place where she reconnects with life and growth. “Gardening gives me peace. God gives me the strength and durability to have come this far in life,” she says.
Now, as a newlywed and a kitchen manager, she faces her biggest challenge yet. A compatible stem cell donor is her only hope, and she is calling on the community to step forward.
The Power to Save a Life
Charlene’s plea to potential donors is heartfelt and urgent. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about giving someone the chance to live, to enjoy life’s small joys, and to have hope for tomorrow. It’s an act of kindness that changes everything.”
DKMS Africa’s mission is to increase the number of registered stem cell donors to help patients like Charlene find their perfect match. Donating stem cells is a simple and painless process, yet it holds the power to transform lives.
Bonginkosi Kume, regional manager for the Western Cape’s Donor Recruitment, emphasises the impact of community involvement. “Every new donor brings us closer to saving a life. Charlene’s story highlights the urgency of our mission. We urge the people of Northern Cape to step forward and register.”
How You Can Help
If you are between 18 and 55 years old and in good health, you can register as a potential donor by visiting dkms-africa.org or calling 0800 12 10 82. The process is simple - just a quick cheek swab and a few minutes of your time can mean the world to someone in need. Just take a minute to think about that. You could be the difference in saving someone's life.
By registering as a stem cell donor, you could be the match that gives Charlene and countless others like her a second chance at life. So join DKMS Africa at the donor drive and be part of a life-changing movement. I will be there, and I hope to see many others there as well.