As horrific as all of this is – Mighty Mack has already done something amazing just by creating this awareness, and she (and you) will very probably have saved a few lives!
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 May 2021) – Mighty Mack has become the face of a mass blood drive to not only save her… but all South Africans in need of this ‘precious gift of life’.
Little Mackenzie Friedman, affectionately known as Mighty Mack, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on Wednesday, 12th of May 2021, and in just 5 days, her story has touched the hearts of South Africans and mobilised many to donate blood in honour of her journey.
Blood is vital for the treatment of cancer patients, and little Mighty Mack – who has just completed her fourth round of chemotherapy – will need transfusions during her treatments.
Mackenzie’s mom, Megan Harrington-Johnson, says she will be having another transfusion in two days as her platelets have dropped slightly.
“Tomorrow, she will have another bone marrow extraction to determine which strain of AML it is as there are 7 different strains. Mighty Mack is responding well. Her vitals are all good, and she is fighting hard!”
The tragic reality is less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors, and the country’s blood stocks are critically low.
But Mackenzie’s story has mobilized South Africans to get involved and help the country’s blood stock levels. ‘Mack’s Army’ has spent the last couple of days posting photos of themselves donating blood in honour of the brave little warrior! Some have even planned blood drives to raise awareness and garner even more support.
Mighty Mack’s parents are overwhelmed but so incredibly thankful for all the support.
“Wow! Just wow! I have been in tears all day as I am so emotional about the incredible response that we have had to our request for blood and platelets – not only for Mackenzie but for every person in South Africa (and London) who needs them!
It is so incredibly heartwarming to see a community come together in this way and to witness how inherently good and kind people are.
As horrific as all of this is – our little girl has already done something amazing just by creating this awareness, and she (and you) will very probably have saved a few lives today!
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! Please keep up the donations – we did not know how needed they were in general in South Africa until we were the ones needing them!”
For more information about the blood drives or to follow Mackenzie’s journey, click here.
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