Shaydin Leigh Andrew Marks, a learner at Rosendaal High School in Delft, South Africa, is struggling with severe aplastic anaemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. His condition prevents his bone marrow from producing enough healthy blood cells, leaving him vulnerable to infections, fatigue, and bleeding. Shaydin's mother, Shannon Marks, first noticed symptoms in April when his eyes, skin, and urine turned yellow.
Shaydin was admitted to Eerste River Hospital on 20 April with suspected liver complications and later transferred to Tygerberg Hospital, where doctors diagnosed autoimmune hepatitis. However, after discharge, his condition worsened, and he developed severe headaches, exhaustion, and difficulty walking. A bone marrow biopsy led to the diagnosis of aplastic anaemia. His family is now appealing for help to support his treatment.
Shaydin needs a bone marrow donor to undergo a transplant, which could potentially offer him a chance at long-term recovery. The Kids-Can Cancer Foundation, led by Kaashief Lakay, has made an exception to assist the family, despite Shaydin's condition not being cancer. The foundation is running a BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds for the family's expenses, including transport, groceries, and basic household necessities.
Shaydin's illness has significantly impacted his daily life, forcing him to miss school and abandon activities he once enjoyed, such as chess and swimming. He is currently receiving lessons at the hospital when his treatment schedule allows. His mother, Shannon, is raising Shaydin and his eight-year-old brother, Leighagon, but nobody in the household is currently working, adding to the family's financial struggles.
The family has already missed an appointment due to the inability to afford taxi fare to travel from Delft to Tygerberg Hospital. Shaydin's mother, Shannon, said that not having a phone makes the long hours spent receiving transfusions even harder. Shaydin has appealed to the public to support the family, asking for donations, even as small as R10, to help with their expenses.
Shannon Marks expressed her concerns about the financial burden of her son's treatment, highlighting the difficulties of accessing necessary care while struggling to make ends meet. The family's situation has been exacerbated by Shaydin's weakened immune system, which prevents him from attending school or engaging in normal activities.
Donations to support Shaydin's treatment can be made through the Kids-Can Cancer Foundation website at www.kidscan.org.za. The funds raised will go towards transport, groceries, and basic household necessities, providing essential support to the family during this challenging time. Shaydin's story has garnered attention, and his family hopes that the public will rally to help him receive the treatment he needs.
Key points
- Shaydin Marks, a 14-year-old from Delft, needs a bone marrow transplant to treat his severe aplastic anaemia.
- The family is struggling financially and has appealed for donations to support Shaydin's treatment.
- Donations can be made through the Kids-Can Cancer Foundation website to help with transport, groceries, and household expenses.
