Leathan Needs A Life-Saving Stem Cell Donor

Share this drive with your friends and family

Help Leathan Find His Lifesaving Match

Seventeen-year-old Leathan was an active, vibrant boy who loved soccer and dreamed of becoming a criminal lawyer. But his life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Today, Leathan’s only hope for a full recovery is a matching stem cell donor and that donor could be you.

Leathan’s journey began quietly, with subtle but worrying signs: he started losing weight and began bleeding from his nose and mouth. Every day became a struggle. His mother recalls the terrifying moment she knew something was seriously wrong:

"Last year, I was coming from work and I called him. I was upset and said, ‘Look, you are the one that drinks a lot of water. Please come downstairs and fetch that water.’ I was watching him from downstairs, and suddenly, he stood by the door and collapsed. I put him in the car, and we drove around looking for clinics because I didn’t know what was happening. All of them were closed."

Raised by his single mother alongside his twin sister, Leathan’s family faced a heartbreaking reality. A friend visiting from the UK suggested trying a private hospital. Despite the cost, his mother agreed:

"I can’t afford a private hospital, but he said, ‘Let’s see what they do, because his life comes first.’"

At the hospital, doctors discovered that Leathan’s blood levels were critically low, so low that even a single day’s delay could have been fatal. Tests revealed that his bone marrow was not producing any cells, white or red blood cells were completely absent.

"They told me he needed a transplant immediately, or he’d have to rely on blood transfusions and platelets for the rest of his life," his mother recalls.

Hope came in a miraculous form. Leathan’s twin sister was a 100% match and selflessly donated her bone marrow. With her gift, Leathan underwent the transplant, spending weeks in the hospital recovering from chemotherapy.

"Since the transplant, he has not needed further transfusions, and his blood counts are stabilizing," his mother says. "But the journey has been more than physical it’s been emotional for both of us."

Through this ordeal, the family’s bond has deepened, but Leathan may still need additional stem cell support to fully restore his health. His mother reflects:

"A donor out there could give us hope because finding a donor could ensure that Leathan fully recovers and stays healthy."

If you’re between the ages of 17–55 and in good health, register today. Your could save a life.

About the initiator