Help Save Ntandoyenkosi

What started out as a minor flu that wouldn’t let up, marked the beginning of a grueling journey for 17-year-old Ntandoyenkosi and his mom, Nonkululeko. Soon after, Ntando began noticing blood when passing urine, a realization that had Nonkululeko rushing him to their nearest clinic in June 2023. He was speedily given medication to treat his flu-like symptoms and sent home.

It wasn’t until later that year, when Ntando started experiencing weakness in the body, coupled with low energy, that he was then rushed to Stangar Hospital. Tests pointed to something serious, with Anaemia being an early diagnosis. He was later transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in June 2024 where he received his AML diagnosis.

Described by his mom as a sweet and quiet child, Ntando spent majority of 2024 in hospital, before being able to return home in 2025 and start grade 10 in the second term.

Nonkululeko worries about her son, especially when he often recalls how some of his peers he started treatment with have since passed away. “Of his group, only one other boy has made it this far. Many have passed on. This is a sore realization for Ntando as he worries this may be his own fate”.

“All my son wants is to finish school and go on to become an engineer. He loves physics and maths, and I hope he will get to live out his dream”.

Help give Ntandoyenkosi a fighting chance by registering to become a potential donor.

If you are between 17 - 55 and in good health, you can make a difference today. Register and help give patients a second chance at life.

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