Kimberley residents rally in search for life-saving donor
A TOTAL of 22 individuals came forward to be tested at a recent donor registration drive held in Kimberley, organised by DKMS Africa. The event was dedicated to finding a stem cell donor for 27-year-old Charlene Steenkamp, who urgently needs a transplant to combat Fanconi anaemia, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder.
Charlene’s journey has been marked by resilience, having faced major health challenges since childhood. Despite the hardships, she continues to find strength in her faith and passion for gardening. Now, her greatest hope lies in finding a matching donor - a chance that could mean a new lease on life.
The donor drive, held at TD Kerk on February 7, encouraged community members between the ages of 18 and 55 to register as potential donors. Each test brought hope, reinforcing the power of collective action in the fight against blood cancer and other life-threatening conditions.
Bonginkosi Kume, regional manager for DKMS Africa, emphasised the importance of community involvement. “Every new donor registered is another step closer to saving a life. Charlene’s story highlights why we need more people to step forward.”
For those who couldn’t attend the event, there’s still an opportunity to make a difference. Potential donors can register online at dkms-africa.org or call 0800 12 10 82 to learn how they can help. The process is simple, involving just a quick cheek swab, yet it holds the potential to change lives forever.
The 22 donors who stepped up in Kimberley have already made an impact - but more are needed. Charlene’s journey is far from over, and the call for donors remains urgent. Your decision to register could be the one that saves a life.
