Senior journalist and one-time Chief Editor of the Daily News, Bandula Jayasekara, diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a type of blood cancer in July this year, appeals for assistance to undergo a life-saving medical procedure in Singapore.
Jayasekera explained his plight: “Doctors say the cure is a bone marrow transplant in Singapore because the transplant for this blood cancer (MDS) is considered a high-risk procedure and currently, there are no facilities to perform this type of transplants successfully in Sri Lanka. They tell me that if not, 50 per cent will live for two years and others live a little longer. I am not greedy for life, but I am not finished here yet since there is a cure. I am determined to get well.”
“I am appealing to you for help because the costs for treatment are exorbitant and this is, unfortunately, a matter of life and death, and we need to raise the money soon as the doctors in Singapore are looking for a bone marrow donor.” According to Jayasekara, the National University Cancer Institute of Singapore has estimated the cost to be Singapore Dollars 220,000 (Rs. 30 million).
Contributions could be sent to Commercial Bank - Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, Account Name - Bandula Jayasekara Account No. 8005463011, Band Code - 7056, Branch Code - 029, Swift Code - CCEYLKLX.