Urgent appeal for funds to save the life of uShaka Marine World's Wayne Scott

Wayne has been suffering with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) since 2010. Various forms of oral chemotherapy and intravenous chemotherapy treatment have been administered by oncology doctors. He has a rare but deadly mutation which makes him resistant to all the current CML therapies. The only thing that can now save his life is a bone marrow stem cell transplant.

Scott’s doctor, Dr J.P. Singh has done intensive research and testing to find a positive stem-cell donor. The good news is that a German donor has been found and identified as a 100% match.

The bad news is that Scott’s CML is currently in an accelerated phase and it will be life threatening to do the transplant at present.

However, Dr Singh has found a new oral drug, Ponatinib, which has been developed for the treatment of CML. He believes that treatment with Ponatinib three months prior to the transplant will allow him to perform the transplant successfully. With treatment for a further three months afterwards, he expects a positive outcome.

Unfortunately, Scott’s Medical Aid is only willing to fund 50% of his treatment with Ponatinib as it is extremely expensive. The initial three month treatment is expected to cost R390 000 of which the medical aid will contribute R195 000. Wayne needs to raise R195 000 for the co-payment. The first R65 000 payment is due by Monday, 28th September.

A second co-payment of R195 000 must be raised after the transplant.

As a result, family and friends are appealing to donors to assist. Already, Greg King and Steven Stead of KickStart Productions have donated R35 000 and are challenging others in the theatre community to follow their example.

A banking account has been opened for donations. The details are as follows:

Account holder: Andre B van Wyk
Bank: FNB
Branch: 255355
Account number 62555480377
Reference: Kindly use your name and surname or company name when depositing a donation.