Thando’s Urgent Plea

It started with persistent abdominal pain and unusual paleness, small signs that something wasn’t right. Her mother, trusting her instincts, took her to the local clinic. What was supposed to be a routine check-up quickly turned into a nightmare. Thando was then transferred to a hospital, where after a week of tests, her family received the devastating news: she had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Overnight, Thando’s world turned upside down. The carefree days of school and dance were replaced by hospital visits, tests, and treatments. She misses more school than she attends, and the side effects of treatment leave her exhausted. For a child who once loved learning, this new reality has been incredibly difficult.

But beyond the emotional toll, the financial strain has been unbearable. Frequent hospital trips have drained the family’s resources, making an already painful journey even harder. Thando’s mother, doing everything she can to stay strong, wishes more people could be educated about the urgent need for blood stem cell donors especially teenagers.

A simple cheek swab could be the first step to saving a life. Will you be the hope Thando is waiting for? Register today.

If you are between 17 and 55, you could be a lifesaving match for a patient in need. A simple cheek swab is all it takes to register as a stem cell donor.

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