Mukelo Needs a Lifesaving Match

Before doctors discovered he had blood cancer, Mukelo struggled to breathe and began losing weight. What started as worrying symptoms turned into a two-month search for answers before his family finally received the devastating diagnosis. Since then, Mukelo has spent much of the past three years in and out of hospital, with chemotherapy sessions and medical appointments becoming part of his childhood.

Mukelo was admitted to hospital shortly after his diagnosis, interrupting his chance to start Grade R. As a result, his education was delayed, and much of his early childhood was put on hold while he underwent treatment.

Although Mukelo has started to gain a bit of strength to go back to school, his battle is far from over. Doctors have since identified heart-related complications and he continues to travel to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital every month for chemotherapy.

Gugu hopes that by sharing her son's story, more South Africans can register as potential stem cell donors, giving patients like Mukelo a better chance of finding a match.

Every new stem cell donor who joins the registry increases the chances of patients like Mukelo finding the person who could give them a second chance at life.

If you are healthy and between the ages of 17 and 55, you could be the match Yannis or another patient with blood cancer or a blood disorder is desperately waiting for.

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