At just nine years old, Olive Noel has already faced more medical challenges than most children ever should.
Living with Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA), a rare genetic bone marrow failure syndrome, Olive depends on blood transfusions every three weeks; she has received more than 150 transfusions. Despite frequent hospital visits and the constant risk of infection, she remains a joyful and determined child, supported by a close-knit circle of family, friends, and the wider community.
Olive and her family are preparing for the next step in her journey. At the end of April, she will travel to the Netherlands for a stem cell transplant. The procedure will bring the possibility of a longer, healthier life. The treatment, however, comes with significant financial implications, with costs expected to exceed R7-million.
In true Bloemfontein spirit, the community has stepped forward in a remarkable show of support. Friends Cathy Meiring and Michelle Blair, who are close to the Noel family, have taken the lead in coordinating fundraising efforts. They say the response so far has been encouraging. “We are very good friends of the Noels and wanted desperately to help them with fundraising to assist with the enormous cost of this procedure. The community support has been fantastic,” says Cathy.
Adding momentum to the campaign, former Springbok rugby player Frans Steyn has donated one of his official match jerseys to be raffled. The jersey was worn during a match against Argentina in August 2021. “So many of us get to raise healthy children and move through our … everyday lives without thinking twice about it. Olive’s family doesn’t have that privilege right now. This is where community really matters,” Steyn shared on his Instagram profile to raise awareness.
As the Noel family prepares for the months ahead, the community continues to stand beside them through donations, shared messages, and quiet acts of kindness, all helping move Olive one step closer to the chance of simply being a child again.
To find out how you can make a difference, or to take part in the raffle, contact Michelle on 066 255 7295 or Cathy on 082 448 9952.
Back a Buddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/olives-stem-cell-transplant-fund~2
