For the past three years of her young life, Rachel suffered from Aplastic Anaemia, which is a disease of the bone marrow. The continued support of family and friends, the parents and learners of Holy Cross Primary, the Eden and George Lions Clubs, and various members of the community paid off when Rachel received a bone marrow transplant at the beginning of the year.
Her healing has been miraculous. For once she can experience having a ‘normal’ life and she fully enjoys the freedom of movement she is now allowed.
Sunflowers in full bloom
The Thomas family showed their gratitude to everybody who followed their journey and lent a helping hand by giving a ‘Thank You’ party to more than 200 people. Under the protective wings of Eden Lions, the party also served as a fundraiser for the Sunflower Fund - a fund which aims to recruit and raise funds for bone marrow donors.
A few ‘Sunflowers’ from Cape Town joined the evening’s festivities as special guests, where they enjoyed amongst others, a performance by the Holy Cross Singing Group, a dan-cing demonstration by Clint du Plessis and an auction by the master of ceremonies, Paul Hoffman.
There are about 64 000 organ donors in South Africa, a number that is growing steadily daily. The two tests that donors have to undertake cost R300 and R1 000 each - these are paid by the Sunflower Fund if donors cannot afford it.
Another way to support the fund is by buying a sunflower bandana for Bandana Day on 12 October. Bandanas are readily available at most Pick n Pay outlets.
For more information on the Sunflower Fund, visit their web site at www.sunflowerfund.org.za or phone their head-office in the Western Cape on 021 701 0661 or toll-free number 088 12 10 82.
Article and photos by Michelle Pienaar.
View more photos here: http://www.georgeherald.com/gallery.aspx?gpid=160&gid=5
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Three Eden Lions having a roaring evening: from the left are Darren Nuns and Cathy and Kelvin Dippnall.
