‘Braveheart’ Araya marks 100th blood transfusion after seven-year journey

Ask AI 4minAraya Leigh Jugdeo recently received her 100th transfusion.

IN A LITTLE book, Araya Leigh Jugdeo’s mother has recorded every blood transfusion her daughter has received since she was just three months old.

Seven-year-old Araya, a Grade 1 pupil from Richards Bay, received her 100th transfusion on October 28.

She has Thalassemia major, an inherited blood disorder that prevents her body from producing enough functional haemoglobin to carry oxygen to her tissues.

The Jugdeo family travels from Richards Bay to Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban every two weeks for the transfusions.

Verushka Jugdeo said her daughter’s journey began when she was just three months old in 2019.

“She spent a week in the NICU at The Bay Hospital, where her paediatrician ran multiple tests. She was monitored, treated and sent home. A week later, we received the call that changed our lives in an instant: ‘Mrs Jugdeo, please bring Araya into hospital for admission for an immediate blood transfusion.’

“I remember the day as if it was yesterday. Her haemoglobin level was six, which was extremely low and could become critical. As a parent, when you hear this, your first instinct is to panic. I did panic, but I did not cry because I thought it was just a blood transfusion and, once it was done, we would go back to a normal life.”

Araya received her first transfusion at Melomed Hospital in Richards Bay before she was referred to a paediatric haematologist at Netcare Parklands Hospital.

In January 2020, her parents received the diagnosis that would change their lives.

“The doctor explained the disorder and the treatment plan to us. I sat in the doctor’s room and cried because it was surreal. I didn’t want to believe what I had heard.

“At first, it was once every month, then every three weeks, and now every two weeks. Araya needs regular blood transfusions to restore oxygen levels in her body. This is crucial for her body to function.”

She also takes chelation medication to reduce iron overload in her organs, a complication of repeated transfusions.

“No transfusions can lead to extreme abnormalities or worse.” 

While her parents have had to come to terms with a lifelong condition, Araya has had to learn to live with hospital visits, needles and hours spent receiving blood.

When she was 14 months old, she had a port inserted to make treatment easier.

“I remember crying and saying to my husband, ‘She is so small for this. Are we doing the right thing?’ But Araya came out of the theatre like a little star.”

Her daughter has since faced countless procedures and transfusions, earning the nickname Braveheart from her mother.

“She gets poked so often and has to sit through transfusions. Sometimes it takes hours, but when you ask her, ‘Araya, how do you feel?’ Her answer is always, ‘I feel good.’ I admire her strength daily. She is strong, brave and has definitely taught us how to handle life’s challenges as they come.”

Reaching the 100th transfusion was particularly emotional for the family.

“As much as it was a celebration, it was also very emotional. Knowing she has been poked and transfused 100 times in the past seven years is a rollercoaster of feelings.

“But, in the same breath, I am extremely grateful to all 100 donors who have given wholeheartedly to my little girl. As she says, she may not know you, but she is grateful that you help her live a healthy life.”

Araya told the post.co.za she was grateful.

“I feel bad that donors get poked to give blood to me. I also feel a bit sad because I have to receive blood transfusions. I am grateful for everyone who donates blood.”

Jugdeo added that she was proud of how her family handled Araya’s journey. 

Araya has a 10-year-old brother whom Jugdeo described as loving, caring and understanding.

“When a child needs medical attention, a lot changes in a family, but I am glad to say we handle any situation, big or small, together. This is the family we prayed for and, even though it came with challenges, I know God has a plan for us.

“Thalassemia is a condition we never knew about, and I wish we had. It was something that was sprung upon us. It was the first time we had heard of this condition, and it broke our hearts.

“My goal is to raise awareness among other parents planning to have children, but I want Araya to tell her story and share her moments with everyone. It doesn’t change anything, and we wouldn’t have it any other way, but being educated about Thalassemia should become more accessible to everyone.”