Donate a care pack: Make a child patient’s day a little brighter 

When a child has to undergo a stem cell transplant procedure, it is not only an emotionally and psychologically turbulent experience for the patient, but also for their families.

In the wake of this life-altering process, paediatric patients and their families often find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with uncertainty, fear and emotional upheaval.

What makes this procedure particularly difficult, is that the young patients are isolated for a period of time before and after the procedure. To help occupy and bring comfort to the children during this time, the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is calling on communities and businesses to donate special care packs to alleviate the emotional and psychological burdens faced by financially strained families. 

Get involved as a business or in your personal capacity, by putting together care packs containing the following items: 

1.     Colouring and activity books, pencils and markers
2.     Games, puzzles, brainteasers (for e.g. playing cards, Lego, fidget toys)
3.     Motivational or inspirational books
4.     Neck pillow, eye mask
5.     Journal and pen for writing
6.     Resistance bands to help strengthen muscles
7.     Face cloth, toothbrush and other hygiene items
8.     Lotion and lip balm for dry skin and lips
9.     Hot and cold packs for pain management
10. Nasal spray for dry nostrils
11. Thermal flask
12. Food and toiletry vouchers
13. Coffee and tea sachets for parents/caregivers
14. Teddy bears or soft cuddly toys
15. Torch (for load-shedding or for use at night)
16. Transplant information guidebook compiled by the SABMR for patients and their families on what to expect post the transplant and the science behind the therapies.

To further roll out this initiative to at least 100 more patients, the SABMR requires funding from corporates and public donors. While the care packs will initially be distributed to beneficiaries on their Patient Assistance Programme, the aim is to roll this out to all patients referred to the SABMR.

To get involved with the SABMR’s Care Pack initiative, contact Zaahier Isaacs, Head of Patient Services at the SABMR, via email at patients@sabmr.co.za or call the SABMR Head office on 021 447 8638. A drop-off facility will also be available at the SABMR offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.