The South African Bone Marrow Registry is asking the public

• Published date: 08 May 2024
• Author: Staff Reporter
• Publication title: Southern Mail

The registry needs colouring and activity books, pencils and markers; games, puzzles, brain teasers; motivational books; neck pillows and eye masks; journals and pens; resistance bands to strengthen muscles; face cloths, toothbrushes and other hygiene items; lotions and lip balms for dry skin and lips; hot and cold packs for pain management; nasal sprays for dry nostrils; thermal flasks; food and toiletry vouchers; coffee and tea sachets for parents/caregivers; teddy bears or soft cuddly toys; and torches

Included in the care packs will be a guide for patients and their families on what to expect after the transplant and the science behind the therapies.

The care packs are designed to occupy and comfort patients while they are isolated before and after the procedure.

Zaahier Isaacs, head of patient services at the registry, said the aftermath of a stem-cell transplant could be particularly hard on...