Reinette Greyling, a Lowveld attorney and conveyancer, has entered remission after undergoing a successful bone marrow transplant in September 2023. Greyling was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2022 and received chemotherapy while awaiting a suitable donor. After nine months of treatment, a compatible donor was found in Belgium, and Greyling underwent the transplant. Greyling has since expressed her gratitude for the support she received during this challenging journey.
To raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation, Greyling, along with Jaco Potgieter, organized a golf day event at Mbombela Golf Day on April 5. The event aimed to highlight the benefits of organ and tissue transplantation and emphasized the need for increased awareness in South Africa. Currently, only 73,000 out of the country’s population of 59.89 million people participate in organ and tissue donation, indicating the necessity of spreading awareness.
Bone marrow donations in South Africa are managed by the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), a non-profit organization. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 45 are encouraged to register as potential donors, regardless of their racial background. The SABMR conducts specialized searches to find matching donors for critically ill patients in need of bone marrow transplants. Potential donors can apply online through the SABMR website or by emailing donors@sabmr.co.za. Eligible applicants undergo a comprehensive health questionnaire and a buccal swab to determine their compatibility. Successful applicants are placed on the registry, and if matched with a patient, they undergo a medical examination and a stem cell collection process. Donors do not incur any costs for the donation, as the SABMR covers the expenses involved.
