The gift of GIVING BACK

Savanna Douglas chats to three remarkable women who have chosen to put others first this festive season

- Savanna Douglas

Cheers to the women who are giving back this Christmas! Because, as they have proven, it’s more important to spread love, hope and cheer than to make grand gestures.

ZOE MERSON-DAVIES

52, Mossel Bay, an Employee Benefits Consultant

Zoe is a survivor of three rare blood diseases and gives back to The Haem Team, a specialised medical haematology practice in Johannesburg.

‘My connection to The Haem Team began in 2019, after I started training for my first marathon along the ChampsÉlysées in Paris. I felt more tired than usual after training, but I chalked it up to work, improper sleep and grieving a death in my family. I kept going, but hills became more challenging to conquer and I couldn't keep up with my running buddies.

When I eventually visited a haematologist, my first biopsy revealed bone marrow failure – they called it severe Aplastic anaemia. In layman's terms, my body was not producing sufficient marrow or blood to keep me going. Plus, my risk of infection or injury was high.

 I spent the following two years fighting the rare blood disease. February 2021 struck me with yet another blow and a further diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome, with the complication of a PNH clone. I started chemo immediately, and my body was struggling to recover. I suffered one infection after another. I ended up with sepsis, became skeletal, and was depleted.