Meet Dannika Henman, an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia survivor. At just nine years old, Dannika, began experiencing severe health problems. She was constantly exhausted, bruised easily, and suffered from aching bones. After falling ill at school one day, Dannika was taken to the family GP, who arranged a chest X-ray. The results showed mild pneumonia, and she was sent home with medication. However, her condition worsened dramatically within hours, and her mother rushed her back to the GP, only to find that the pneumonia had turned severe.
In search of answers, the GP referred Dannika to a specialist in Durban, where she lived. Dr. Monica Vaithilingum, a dedicated Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist, quickly diagnosed Dannika with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) revealing that 96% of her bone marrow cells were cancerous.
Dannika’s journey began with six months of intense chemotherapy and lumbar punctures to prevent the cancer from spreading to her brain, followed by three years of maintenance treatment at Parklands Hospital, Durban. Throughout her recovery, Dannika received several units of Whole Blood and Plasma, which were crucial to her treatment. Her courage and determination helped her navigate this challenging period, leading her to a successful recovery and igniting her passion for the medical field.
Reflecting on her journey, Dannika shares, “I once considered a career in medicine or nursing, but I wasn’t sure I could handle seeing sick and injured people all the time. There was a nurse at the lab where I went to draw blood, Sister Delene van Niekerk, she knew how much I dreaded needles and always made the experience easier for me. Her kindness inspired me to explore the laboratory field and led me to discover Biomedical Technology. I pursued a Diploma in Biomedical Technology at Mangosuthu University of Technology in Umlazi, the closest option for me. During my first year, I worked part-time as a mascot and did admin work to support my studies, but I was fortunate to receive a bursary in my second year.”
Today, Dannika is a Medical Technologist at the Western Cape Blood Service. Known affectionately as the “red cell serology and haematology lab’s baker,” she delights in treating her colleagues to homemade cookies. In her vital role, she performs routine blood tests, including screenings for syphilis, antibodies, and blood group test. Her work is crucial to our life-saving mission and she is grateful to play a significant role to help patients just like her.
Thanks to the generosity of our loyal blood donors, we can provide individuals like Dannika with the opportunity to chase their dreams and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Your donation can save up to three lives. To donate blood, find your closest blood donation clinic today.
