Sick teen needs donor fast
A DESPERATE call to save a teenager has seen an overwhelming response from Durbanites.
This week, Robbie Eddles, 17, was fighting for his life after a leukaemia relapse and it has become a race against time to find a matching bone marrow donor for him.
His mother, Colleen, briefly stepped from her son’s side on Thursday to visit Robbie’s school, Clifton College in Morningside, where pupils lined up to be tested to see if any were potential donors to save their friend’s life.
An emotional Colleen said Robbie was “blown away by the overwhelming support” since the call went out on social media.
“Robbie doesn’t want this to be just about him, but about anyone who needs to find a bone marrow donor match. We want to thank everyone who has come out in support.”
The samples will be sent to the SA Bone Marrow Registry to check for a match.
Robbie was first diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 5. He relapsed when he was 10, with the third relapse happening recently and his need to find a donor is urgent.
Colleen said: “Robbie is also aware of the need for more donors and would like all South Africans to register.”
His older sister Gillian said: “We are determined that Robbie is going to get better.”
She said the family was hugely grateful for the reaction to their call for help.
“There have been a lot of schools and people around Durban who have been in contact about doing a drive,” she said.
Robbie’s aunt Kerry Moller, who had flown up from Cape Town on Wednesday night to bring the swabs needed to take samples, said they had about 6 500 applications in five days.
“If people want to register, I will make sure swabs are sent to Durban. I have had calls from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Wales and Australia.”
SA Bone Marrow Registry spokespersonnadia Chalkley confirmed yesterday thatdonor applications had hit the 7 000 mark for Robbie.
“We are bringing in more volunteers on Monday to help process all the applications.”
To become a donor or find out more, go to www.sabmr.co.za