NATIONAL NEWS - With very little focus and fanfare around bone marrow stem cell donation and leukaemia, awareness on this topic is commemorated annually from 15 August to 15 October, and The Sunflower Fund is calling on the hero in all South Africans.
The fight against leukaemia and other blood diseases is all about you, your family, friends, peers and the community.
You can do something to make a difference to patients needing a blood stem cell transplant. The action is simple: purchase your Tube of Hope – or Tope – and celebrate Sunflower Day on 21 September.
A Tope is an appealing, trendy and multipurpose accessory which can be worn as a headband, mask, scarf, cap or armband. Topes will be available for R30 each at Pick n Pay stores across the country, selected independent pharmacies or online at Zando during August and September 2018.
“We are very excited about this year’s design, which comes in six vibrant colours, with an introduction of a grey option and inspired by a message of hope,” says The Sunflower Fund's CEO Alana James. “We hope to see everyone wearing their Tope on Sunflower Day in support of our patients and survivors and to raise awareness about the very important and urgent topic of blood stem cell donation.”
'There is a hero in all of us'
The theme of this year’s campaign is "There is a hero in all of us". The campaign aims to draw people out of slacktivism and get them mobilised and engaged around a simple action. Just choosing to do something for someone else and expecting nothing in return brings out the hero in all of us.
Funds raised will offer the hope of life to patients in need of a lifesaving blood stem cell transplant. All monies raised go towards recruiting donors to The Sunflower Fund’s blood stem cell registry. “We once again aim to sell 200 000 Topes and encourage both our loyal and new supporters to rally together and get on board to help us reach our goal,” James concluded.
You can further support the campaign, by downloading collateral for posters and social media from The Sunflower Fund’s website.
You can also help the fund with financial contributions to assist the fundraising efforts for the tissue-typing test costs and the patient support fund. Visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za to make a quick and easy cash donation.
For more information or to register please contact The Sunflower Fund toll-free on 0800 12 10 82.
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