Help Save Alyssa

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Born three weeks early and spending her first ten days in the NICU, Alyssa seemed like she was simply off to a rocky start. But at just seven months old, she was diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS I), a rare disorder that impacts every part of the body.

This blood disorder - Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS I), is slowly taking away a child’s ability to breathe, grow, and move freely. Her only chance at life is a matching stem cell donor. That donor could be you.

Because of her early complications, Alyssa had been seeing a range of specialists. Her dad, Trysten, remembered the moment everything changed:

“We thought she was just a little delayed because she was born early. We didn’t expect a diagnosis that would change everything.”

Internally, Alyssa’s body was already struggling with pulmonary stenosis, obstructed airways, and sleep apnea. And the road ahead was filled with more challenges: joint stiffness, skeletal issues, and stunted growth.

There are two main treatment paths. One is lifelong enzyme replacement therapy at a high cost. The other and Alyssa’s best shot at a full life, is a stem cell transplant, which can stop the disease from progressing and offer hope beyond survival.

“A stem cell transplant gives Alyssa a real chance,” Trysten says. “We know it’s not easy, but we believe in the goodness of people; especially here in South Africa. If enough of us come together, we can give our little girl, and others like her, a future worth fighting for.”

You could be Alyssa’s perfect match. Sign up at dkms-africa.org/register-now and help save a life.

Remember, all costs related to the donation process are taken care of by DKMS Africa.

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