Join the fight: Support six-year-old Mia-Miri Wessels in her battle against leukaemia

A campaign to support Mia-Miri Wessels, a six-year-old girl from Strand diagnosed with leukaemia in August last year, is gaining momentum, with a Fun Run & Walk set to take place later this month.

The fundraising event will be held at the Strand Life Savers Club on Saturday, February 21.

Mia-Miri’s mother, Amarynka Wessels, said her daughter requires regular blood transfusions, ongoing treatment to address the origin of her leukaemia, and specialised care due to her fragile condition.

“In less than five months, Mia-Miri received eight blood transfusions, countless platelet transfusions and three brutal blocks of chemotherapy. Her last chemotherapy session nearly broke her.

“She had a severe reaction that landed us in the hospital for almost two weeks, days filled with fear so heavy it felt impossible to breathe. We honestly did not know what the outcome would be,” she said.

Ms Wessels added that her daughter lay in bed for more than two months, hardly ate, and could neither talk nor walk.

“In the middle of all this pain, God gave us light. Her sister is a bone marrow match - a miracle we will never take for granted. The transplant is planned for early this year. There are still risks and still fear, but I believe with my whole heart that the Lord has already gone before us and made a way,” she said.

The family has also launched a back-a-buddy fundraising campaign, which has raised more than R350 000 of its R600 000 target to support Mia-Miri’s treatment and recovery. The campaign link is available online here.

Updates on Mia-Miri’s journey are also shared on the Facebook page called Little Lionheart Mia-Miri.

Registration for the Fun Run & Walk opens at 7am, with the run or walk starting at 8am. Entry costs R50 per person. For more information, WhatsApp 079 921 5578.

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