The 12th of October is National Bandana Day! By buying a bandana for R25, you could offer those fighting leukaemia and other life threatening blood disorders a chance of a future.
Where do I get my bandana?
You can buy your bandanna from your nearest Pick n Pay or local Round Table, including in Namibia, and wear it to show your empathy and support towards leukaemia sufferers in their daily fight against the disease. For fun and practical ideas on what to do with your bandanna, go to www.se7en.org.za/2014/09/16/se7en-1-things-to-do-with-a-bandana-and-lets-support-the-sunflower-fund-together.
Where does my money go?
Funds raised through National Bandana Day go towards paying for the expensive tissue typing (DNA) tests for new donors to join The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR). The Sunflower Fund relies heavily on this fundraiser to continue testing donors to help those suffering from leukaemia and other life threatening blood disorders who require a bone marrow transplant to survive and live a longer and healthier life. With the odds of finding a donor being 1:100 000, it is hoped to expand the Registry to at least 100 000 donors per ethnic group in South Africa.
How do I become a donor?
To join the Registry today, call The Sunflower Fund on 0800 12 10 82 and donate two tubes of your blood. Your results will be placed on the SABMR. If you’re found to be a match sometime in the future, the Registry will contact you and you’ll donate bone marrow stem cells, which is similar to donating blood or platelets. For more information on how to become a donor please visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za or call their toll free number at 0800 12 10 82.
How else can I help?
Consider making a donation to the SABMR in lieu of a gift or apply for a free MySchool card and nominate the SABMR as your beneficiary. Every time you swipe your card, a percentage of your purchase will go to the SABMR.
Sources
www.sabmr.co.za
www.sunflowerfund.org.za