A KZN English teacher simply looking to do good in honour of her late sister-in-law never imagined she’d be the source of a lifesaving gift for a complete stranger.
uMdoni, South Africa (09 October 2025) – When the heart is moved by compassion and a desire to give back, it often leads us down a path filled with the most rewarding and life-changing experiences.
Dedicated teacher and devoted mom, Nardia never imagined she’d one day also be considered a real-life hero until she was informed that she was a match for a patient in need of a second chance at life.
The English high school teacher from uMdoni in Kwa-Zulu-Natal shares that before the incredible opportunity to be someone else’s miracle presented itself, she always felt it was important to give back and live a life that positively poured into others.
“Being in the position that I am in my life, I have always felt called to give back,” Nardia tells DKMS Africa.
“And if I am healthy enough to be a blessing to someone else, why take that gift for granted?”
Inspired by a personal experience, Nardia felt compelled to register as a stem cell donor earlier this year following the heartbreaking loss of her husband’s younger sister, who succumbed to leukaemia at just eight years old.
“That loss stayed with me,” she recalls.
“Then, when I heard about another little girl in my own community, I knew I couldn’t just stand by; I had to do something.”
When Nardia got the email confirming she was a match, she said that she felt a sense of peace and gratitude:
“I felt a deep sense of peace and gratitude because someone out there is going to be better, and the donation itself was smooth, with only minor fatigue.”
For Nardia, the process was far less daunting than most people would imagine.
“I even slept through the process because I was cared for every step of the way, and I had so much support. My mom attended almost every blood draw and was even there on donation day. My learners were also excited for me, reminding me that kindness is contagious,” she says.
She shares her message of hope and encouragement:
“Go out there and be a blessing. You could be someone’s someone’s miracle because ordinary people can do extraordinary things. It only takes saying yes.”
You, too, like Nardia, can be the hope someone is waiting for. Visit the DKMS website for more information.
Sources: DKMS Africa
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