A Matching Donor Gave Oyintando a Second Chance

Like any child, Oyintando had a future filled with possibilities. But in 2023, his health began to change when he developed painful boils around his neck. After receiving treatment at a local clinic, the boils disappeared, only to return a week later, this time spreading to his head.

Oyintando developed painful boils around his neck that later spread to his head, prompting further medical investigation.

Further tests during Oyintando’s hospital stay revealed that he had Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

As his condition developed, his mother, Bonakele took him to hospital where further investigations revealed that he had Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the immune system.

Along with the diagnosis, came the news that Oyintando would need a stem cell transplant from a matching stem cell donor. What followed was a difficult period of waiting and uncertainty for his family.

Following his diagnosis, a potential stem cell donor was identified, offering the family their first real sense of hope. However, just as they began looking forward to the possibility of a transplant, they received disappointing news.

With the first donation no longer possible, the family faced another period of uncertainty. Oyintando continued receiving medical care while the search for another matching donor continued.

Then came the news they had been waiting for. Another matching stem cell donor had been found. “When they told me that Oyintando had another match, I was so happy. After everything we had been through, I finally felt hopeful again that my son would get the chance he needed,” says Bonakele.

The match made it possible for Oyintando to undergo a stem cell transplant, marking a turning point in his journey. Today, Oyintando has passed an important milestone: 100 days post-transplant. He is doing better, and there is renewed hope that he can return to the simple things.

Bonakele supported Oyintando through the uncertainty of waiting for a matching stem cell donor.

Oyintando with his mother, Bonakele, and DKMS Africa Donor Recruitment Manager Bonginkosi as they mark an important milestone in his journey.

For Bonakele, who once feared losing another child, seeing her son reach this milestone means more than words can express.

Remember, all costs related to the donation process are taken care of by DKMS Africa. You will not be asked to pay for anything.