VITHIYA THANKS HER SUPPORTERS AFTER STEM CELL DONOR SEARCH
A CARDIFF University student who was in desperate need of a stem cell donor has thanked people for their “absolutely overwhelming” response to try to help her.
In February last year Vithiya Alphons, a Sri Lankan student from Walthamstow, London, took to social media in a search for a donor.
The 25-year-old had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia at the start of her final year as an optometry student in 2015.
She was given several bouts of oral chemotherapy but the cancer remained in her system.
A worldwide campaign was launched to encourage more people to join the Anthony Nolan register when it was discovered the young woman had just months to live unless a suitable donor was found.
After no suitable match was found, Vithiya’s mum, Bavany Alphons, made a last-ditch attempt to save her daughter’s life.
Now, a year on from first sharing her story, Vithiya is back in Cardiff and finishing her final semester at university.
She said: “I have been fine, but I still have to go back to the hospital to make sure everything is OK.
“I started back k at Cardiff University in September to finish h my final year – att last.
“It was quitee difficult as I had d recently come e out of hospital, l, and I last finished d exams in 2015, so I had time out in between.”
Speaking about when she found out she needed a stem cell donor, she said she didn’t know what she wanted to do to raise awareness, but she knew she had to do something.
“I decided to set up a Facebook page,” she explained.
“So many people responded within a short space of time – it was unbe- lievable. I received more than 200 messages in 24 hours, and I have had thousands more since.”
She also spoke of how supportive people have been over the past 12 months – she has received “get well” wishes, blessings and even gifts.
“Some people recognise me and ask me how I am,” she said.
“Some also felt disheartened when they found out I couldn’t find a match at first, but, in a more positive light, my campaign helped many other people find matches.
“Even though I struggled to find a match, the campaign actually helped a lot of people and a lot of good came out of it.”
In a recent post on the Facebook page, the student shared her gratitude to everyone who has tried to help her.
In the post, she said: “The response which I received was absolutely overwhelming!
“I was just dumbstruck to find out how many people were just ready to help me. I can’t express in words the gratitude I feel towards you for such incredible love and support! Thank you guys, thank you so so so very much for all you have done for me!”
She added: “For all those who sent me very encouraging messages, cards and gifts! My family and friends who organised all the drives and all the thousands of such amazing souls who went to register for me despite the cold, rainy and horrible weather!
“Thank you so so so much! A few of those strangers who helped me without any expectation have now become dear friends! Thank you guys!
“Thanking God for blessing me so much, my Mum for another life and all you beautiful people for everything you have done for me! I would forever and ever be grateful!!!
“PS: Please do carry on registering as you can help give someone the beautiful gift of life! Lots and lots of love and gratitude Vithiya”.