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Ms Marielouise Pretorius, a teacher of Laerskool
Generaal Hendrik Schoeman has decided to participate in the Argus
Cycling Race (109km) which will be held in March to raise funds for
Connor Ross, a pupil of the school who was diagnosed with Leukemia
and needs a bone marrow transplant. The total cost of such a
procedure including a year’s treatment is approximately R400 000. |
Bone marrow transplant - hope for
Connor (11)
A teacher of Laerskool Generaal Hendrik Schoeman,
Ms Marielouise Pretorius is just one of several supporters who have
become actively involved in fundraising initiatives to support
Connor Ross (11) who was diagnosed with Leukemia in August 2009 and
urgently needs a bone marrow transplant to save his life.
Connor Ross’s father Andrew was involved in a serious road accident
in March 2009 and as result of his injuries and not being able to
work lost his job in May. Kormorant reported of Andrew’s ordeals
which followed. He was involved in an attempted hi-jacking in June
and the family became victims of an armed robbery in July. One of
the robbers was shot and killed in a brave attempt by Andrew, to
prevent the robbers from harming his family. Andrew was beaten with
a plank and a rock but managed to fend the thug off. The family
was unharmed physically, but was once again left traumatized
by their experience.
“We noticed a behavioural change in Connor immediately after this
attack. He was quiet and reserved and clearly ‘different.’ About a
week after the attack Connor began to complain that he did not feel
well. We all assumed that he was suffering from emotional stress and
was reacting to the trauma of almost losing his father three times
in such a short space of time,” his mother Leigh said.
Connor stayed at home with his dad complaining of a general feeling
of weakness and aching. He was taken to the doctor and given
antibiotics for a bladder infection. He seemed to perk up but after
a few days he was complaining again. Connor was taken to another
doctor who immediately became concerned by his symptoms and general
look. The doctor wanted Connor admitted to hospital immediately for
tests.
The Ross' had no medical aid and were referred to the Pretoria
Academic hospital for tests. Connor was admitted after a grueling
twelve hours and taken to an isolation ward. One of the first
results to come back confirmed that Connor had pneumonia. Leigh and
Andrew went home for a short four hours sleep when they were
phoned by the doctor and asked to go back to the hospital as soon as
possible. The doctors informed that Connor's blood results had come
back and there was no question about it -their little boy has
Leukemia.
“We were in an enormous amount of shock. We spent the whole night on
the Internet researching Leukemia and were pleased to learn that
Leukemia is one of the cancers that can be cured. Treatment in
children is usually successful but it is going to be a long, rocky
road. We are preparing for a two to three year struggle. It was
decided that Chemotherapy would be the course of treatment; Connor
was isolated as he was susceptible to all kinds of infections.”
“Connor’s count was very high on 10 August and treatment at the
Pretoria Academic commenced shortly. Coping with a new diagnosis has
been very difficult for Connor, as he is not able to lead the
‘normal life’ he used to know or live. Many lifestyle changes for
him as well as the family had to be made in order to cope with
cancer. No more food with MSG, colourants and additives are allowed
as these feed the growth of cancer cells. Fresh fruit and veggies
only, no frozen, boxed or tinned foods are allowed as unhealthy
products are added so that products last longer. Chemotherapy breaks
down the immune system causing Connor to be vulnerable to
infections, thus all goods must be washed, rinsed and well taken
care of before he can touch or use it.
“He is not able to attend school, go to public places where there
are volumes of people as this type of contact can cause high risk
infections which could cause death - at times this has lead to a
feeling of loneliness, frustration and anger. Although many
challenges (some bad, some good) have been faced, he has found the
strength to meet every day afresh with a positive outlook to see
each treatment through.
A bone marrow donor has to be found whose cells match Connor's cells
as closely as possible. It is best if the donor is a close relative
because there is a better chance that the cells will match. The
family have been tested and it was found that none, (his mother,
father and sister) are a match. The National and International
registers were approached for assistance and two international
donors and three national donors have been found.
“We are now awaiting contact with the donors and affirmation from
the matches on the registry. The cost of extracting the bone marrow
is estimated at R120 000,00. Further costs are estimated at
R400 000.00 the cost is very extensive due to the long stay in
hospital. The average stay in hospital for a Bone Marrow Transplant
for a child is a year due to the therapy and implications of this
procedure.
“We may never know the answers to many questions we have, but we do
know that we as a family need a great deal of help to get through
this dreadful time. We are very grateful for all the love and
support from family and friends in these difficult times,” she said.
* Connors’ father and Greg Strydom of the Hartbeespoort Aquarium
will both run the Comrades to raise funds for the brave youngster.
Donations can be made to: First National Bank, Account number: 6205
0800 385 Keywest, Branch code: 256955 Marked Connor Ross.
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3 February 2010 |
