Cape Town - A Mitchells Plain family has received an outpouring of support from Capetonians, who have rallied behind little Sufyaan Oostendorp.
The family needs to raise R650 000 for a bone marrow transplant for their son because the only suitable donor is in the US.
The four-year-old has been battling leukaemia and has been receiving treatment at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, but now he urgently needs a bone marrow transplant.
His mother, Nuraan Oostendorp, said Sufyaan went into remission in July 2013 after he was diagnosed in June 2013. But he suffered a relapse in March this year and they were told he needed a bone marrow transplant. The family has collected more than R50 000 through fundraising so far.
Sufyaan went back into hospital on Monday to start his final course of chemotherapy.
His dad, Zaakir Oostendorp, said his phone had been ringing non-stop with calls from people who had seen Sufyaan’s story in the Cape Times, asking for details so they could donate funds to the family.
“We have had a great response from friends and others on Twitter and Facebook, it is going crazy,” he said.
“He (Sufyaan) has an idea of what is happening, he knows the name of his treatments. It is just difficult for him because he is a very active person… when he’s in hospital, it is boring for him,” he said.
Nuraan encouraged those who could to become bone marrow donors. “You may not be a match for Sufyaan, but you could help the next child in the same situation. It is not always that people can help with money, but we welcome prayers,” she said.
The next fundraising event, a variety show, will be held at Spine Road High School on September 5. Reserved tickets are R100. Lemeza Oostendorp can be contacted for tickets on 082 567 5608.
Donations can be made to:
Nedbank Trust
Branch: N1 City
Branch code: 109810