Thando, a vibrant 17-year-old who loved dancing and school, until she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
Image: Supplied / DKMS
THE FIGHT for life is a daily reality for over 7,300 South Africans battling blood cancer. For many, a stem cell transplant from a matching donor is their best chance at survival.
But finding a match is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Thando’s story: From dancing to diagnosis
Meet Thando, a vibrant 17-year-old who loved dancing and school, until she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Her life has been turned upside down with frequent hospital visits and exhausting treatments.
Her mother is now an advocate for greater awareness around the urgent need for blood stem cell donors."I have to stay strong and patient," her mother says. "It's not an easy road, but you are not alone."
Amahle, a 15-year-old who's bravely fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).
Image: Supplied / DKMS
Amahle’s journey: Searching for hope
Amahle’s mother, Nombuso, is equally determined. As her daughter undergoes chemotherapy, they remain hopeful. “We believe the right match is out there.”
The challenge is one of biology – and numbers. To succeed, a donor and patient must share at least eight of 10 Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) markers. Even within families, a match isn’t guaranteed.
According to Palesa Mokomele from DKMS Africa, “Finding a compatible stem cell donor is incredibly challenging. But a close match dramatically improves the odds of a successful transplant.”
That’s why DKMS, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer, is working to expand the pool of registered donors in South Africa.
Becoming a donor is simpler than most people think – it starts with a quick cheek swab.
And for someone like Thando or Amahle, it could be everything.
Visit dkms-africa.org/save-lives to register. Be the hope that Thando, Amahle, and thousands of others waiting for.
• DKMS stands for 'Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei', or German Bone Marrow Donor Center. The organisation has grown internationally and extended its mission to include the United States, Poland, the United Kingdom, Chile, India, and South Africa.
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