A seven-year-old child has been given a second chance at life after a tough battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, thanks to a stranger’s selfless act. Now, after 100 days in recovery, he is finally going home to his family and friends!
South Africa (27 August 2025) – More often than not, beautiful things happen when people step up to be a part of something greater than themselves.
It took one person who signed up to be a stem cell donor to change and restore a precious boy’s life.
Avukile had been battling an aggressive form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, spending over six months in and out of hospital and going through intense chemotherapy. A 10/10 match was found for a stem cell transplant, and the moment his family had been desperately praying for had finally arrived.
He received his transplant, and now, after 100 days, he’s finally going home! Returning to his loved ones, school and playing with his friends, just like any seven-year-old should be able to.
“Through the kindness of a stranger, Avukile got a second chance at life. He is now preparing to go back to school and start Grade 2,” said DKMS Africa.
For many diagnosed patients, blood stem cells are one possible form of treatment, and often the only chance of a cure. Finding an unrelated donor can be as rare as 1 in 100,000. A simple cheek swab reveals if a person’s uniqueness is the perfect match.
Avukile is one of the fortunate patients who found his match and has been blessed with a new lease on life following a long health struggle.
In a world where it’s easy to feel small, Avukile’s journey just goes to show that one person’s choice can make a monumental impact!
Shout out to you, kind stranger, and we wish this little guy all happy, healthy days ahead.
If you would like to become someone’s lifesaver, register here.
Sources: DKMS Africa
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 