Today is Mighty Mack’s 1st Birthday – Her journey so far has inspired people around the world and united South Africans through blood drives and bone marrow searches. Happy birthday Mackenzie, we wish you every good thing!
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 January 2022) – Mackenzie “Mighty Mack” Friedman turns one today. Her bright smile and touching story has moved South Africa into action, saving not only her own life but the lives of many others battling cancer or needing blood.
Little Mackenzie Friedman, affectionately known as Mighty Mack, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on Wednesday, 12th of May 2021. Her parents, Megan and Bronson Friedman, had noticed she had a fever and was quite fussy. They took her to their GP, and through that consultation, they eventually learned of Mack’s diagnosis. Early detection awareness is a cause close to Megan and Bronson’s hearts; they gave some advice in 2021 to help other parents, which you can read here.
Shortly after her aunts Amy Stanton and Nikita Friedman created her social media pages, we were acquainted with her story. They had hoped that by sharing her story and raising awareness for her cause, they would be able to boost the bloodstock levels in South Africa and find her a bone marrow match.
When a child undergoes chemotherapy, they also require blood transfusions. It is vital that there is blood available to aid in this treatment. When South Africans heard Mighty Mack’s story, they went by the hundreds to donation sites around South Africa.
Entire communities came together to host blood drives and encourage new donors to join in.
Since her diagnosis, Mackenzie has fought bravely, with every ounce of her being. She has overcome so many obstacles, infections, setbacks and changes in her medical treatment, and through it all, she always had a smile. While the family often tried to stress the severity of her illness, each post they shared was always filled with hope.
We believe it is this hope that readers found so inspiring. Every person involved in her journey has helped her reach her first birthday. From her aunts raising awareness to her parents never leaving her side, her medical team working tirelessly to support her when her little body fought hard, the donors who helped keep her blood supply up and of course, to her bone marrow match. Not to mention every supporter that shared words of kindness and prayers.
Today she is with her family. Mom Megan, dad Bronson and granny are all with her in isolation today; her uncle and grandpa will be celebrating from afar, so as to keep her safe. The isolation doesn’t mean they are not planning on having a big party to celebrate Mack’s massive first year. Her aunty Nikita shared some sneak-peak photos of all her Mighty Mack birthday spoils. Take a look at some of her party treats below.
Tomorrow she heads back to the Donald Gordon Paediatric Oncology Unit, where she will begin her next round of chemo before her transplant. Her blood results have come back clear, showing that she is still in remission; this is all very good! Her transplant date has been delayed, but hopefully, all will be back on track soon.
If you would like to wish Mighty Mack a Happy Birthday, please do so in the comment section. You can also reach the family with your messages via the Mighty Mack Facebook and Instagram pages.
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