To honour Jadasia Narasimulu on what would have been her 26th birthday, her family will host a blood drive at Watercrest Mall, highlighting the importance of blood donations during her treatment.
Jadasia, who graduated with honours in actuarial science from the University of Stellenbosch, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic Ewing Sarcoma in November 2022.
"She underwent chemotherapy and radiation for 13 months. Her treatment was never curative but it allowed for us to spend more time with her. We were heartbroken with this diagnosis and struggled to come to terms with this," said Narasimulu’s mother, Mala Kishuna.
"Jadasia helped us to accept and to deal with the diagnosis and the meaning of it all. One of her fears was that she would be forgotten when she was no longer. How can we ever forget someone who brought such love and joy to us all?
"We, therefore, endeavour to do all we can to keep her legacy alive. The blood drive is one way of us fulfilling this. There were many times that Jadasia received blood transfusions during her treatment and we know how vital this is for any patient that needs it. With her birthday approaching on December 21. We wanted to celebrate the beautiful, remarkable lady that she was.“
"Planning this blood drive has brought joy and has redirected my grief purposefully. Other than the planned blood drive, the public are welcome to go to any South Africa National Blood Service branch for donations."
The blood drive will be held on December 21 at the Watercrest Mall in Hillcrest from 9am to 2pm.