An 11-year-old girl’s life was cut short when she failed to find a matched stem-cell donor after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Leukaemia is a cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow and lymphatic system.
Wandiswa was first diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2023. According to her mother, Senzeni, her symptoms began with a persistent cold.
Wandiswa received treatment for a cold after being taken to the clinic. However, two weeks later, her mother observed that she lacked energy and struggled to eat.
Adjusting to chemotherapy
The young girl, who had hopes of going to grade 6 this year, after passing the previous grade, was unable to do so due to her health, and her mother was forced to withdraw her from school due to her declining health.
Reports say Wandiswa was not adjusting well to the chemotherapy as she experienced extreme weight loss. Her mother said it hurt to see her daughter in that state.
“I now must be strong and explain to her that things will be alright, but even I don’t know that for sure,” said Senzeni before her daughter passed away earlier this week.
DKMS Africa, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, was helping Wandiswa get donors.
The organisation said it was heartbroken by the news of the girl’s passing.
Plea to help blood cancer patients
Palesa Mokomele, the head of community engagement and communications at DKMS Africa, said Wandiswa’s death was a painful reminder of the fragility of life, especially at such a young age.
“We are especially heartbroken for her family and loved ones and hope they will find solace in the times they spent with her,” said Mokomele.
“DKMS is often the last hope for many patients seeking a second chance at life.”
She went on to encourage South Africans to register to become stem-cell donors and help blood cancer and blood disorder patients get a transplant.
“Our patients can only find their match within their own ethnic group. With the registry consisting of predominantly white donors, it means black, coloured, and Indian patients often don’t find their match on time.
“It is vital for more black, coloured, and Indian potential stem-cell donors to register to ensure patients of these ethnic groups find their match.”
Time plays key role
Mokomele said in cases like Wandiswa’s, the illness progresses rapidly, and time becomes a critical factor.
“Swift diagnosis, treatment, and potential stem-cell transplants can be crucial in increasing the chances of recovery and survival for such patients.
“Time is of the essence in managing blood cancer, and prompt action is needed to combat the disease effectively.”
