At just nine years old, Dannika’s life took an unexpected turn due to leukaemia. Once an energetic child, she was now constantly exhausted, bruised easily and had persistent aching bones. When she suddenly fell ill at school, her parents rushed her to their family GP. An initial chest X-ray showed mild pneumonia and she was sent home with medication. However, within hours, her condition deteriorated and she was taken back to the doctor, only to find that the pneumonia had become severe.
Concerned that there may be something more serious going on, the GP referred Dannika to a specialist in Durban, where she lived at the time. Dr Monica Vaithilingum, a paediatric haematologist and oncologist gave Dannika a life-changing diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Tests showed that 96% of her bone marrow cells were cancerous.
What followed was a long and difficult battle. Dannika underwent 6 months of intensive chemotherapy, along with lumbar punctures to prevent the cancer from spreading to her brain. She then continued on maintenance treatment for three years at Parklands Hospital in Durban. Throughout her recovery, Dannika relied on multiple units of whole blood and plasma, each one playing a critical role in her treatment.
During this physically and emotionally challenging time, Dannika remained courageous and resilient. Her experience not only led to her recovery but also shaped her future.
Reflecting on her journey, she says, “I once considered a career in medicine or nursing, but I wasn’t sure I could cope with seeing sick people every day. Then I met Sister Delene van Niekerk, a nurse at the lab where I had my blood tests. She always made the experience easier for me. Her kindness inspired me to explore the laboratory field and led me to discover Biomedical Technology.”
Today, Dannika has come full circle. She is now a Medical Technologist at the Western Cape Blood Service, contributing to the very system that once helped save her life. Known affectionately by her colleagues as the “baker” of the red cell serology and haematology lab, she brings not only skill but warmth to her workplace, often sharing homemade treats.
In her vital role, Dannika conducts essential blood tests, including screening for syphilis, antibodies and blood group testing. Each test she performs, is contributes to the life-saving process of ensuring safe blood transfusions for those who need them.
Dannika’s story reminds us of the powerful impact of blood donation. Thanks to committed blood donor, lives, like Dannika’s are saved and futures made possible.
