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Samantha Armytage shares devastating family news as she urgently appeals to her fans: ‘Please spread the word’
Samantha Armytage has made an appeal for a family friend who is suffering from cancer.
In an Instagram post Monday, the former Sunrise host called for a stem cell donor to help teen Maggie Banyard, who has a rare form of leukemia.
‘ATTENTION! All good people of the Illawarra (and beyond!) Maggie Banyard is a family friend of ours,” the 46-year-old wrote.
Samantha Armytage (pictured) has made an appeal for a family friend who is suffering from cancer
“She’s a beautiful 14-year-old girl – diagnosed with a bloody form of leukemia,” Sam continued.
“I know you all have a lot to do right now, but please help spread the word.
“The family is looking for a suitable stem cell donor to save Maggie’s life… visit @match4maggie for more info,” she continued.
In an Instagram post on Monday, the former Sunrise host called for a stem cell donor to help teen Maggie Banyard (pictured), who has a rare form of leukemia
Sam also shared a link to the Match For Maggie website hoping to find a donor.
Maggie’s illness came to light after she developed a sore throat and headache she couldn’t shake, which was initially suspected to be a virus.
Routine blood work showed her white blood cell count was through the roof.
The eighth-year student was diagnosed with a rare and high-risk form of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and underwent chemotherapy.
‘ATTENTION! All the good people of the Illawarra (and beyond!) Maggie Banyard is a family friend of ours,” the 46-year-old wrote
“She’s a beautiful 14-year-old girl – diagnosed with a bloody form of leukemia,” Sam continued.
“We told Maggie she had leukemia, but she didn’t really understand,” says Maggie’s mother Chantal Kershaw news.com.au.
‘Then we said; “Maggie you have blood cancer”. She burst into tears and our whole world came crashing down.”
A search is now underway for a bone marrow transplant donor – also known as a stem cell transplant – to save Maggie’s life.
Sam also shared a link to the Match For Maggie website in hopes of finding a donor