Bone Marrow
Photo Credit: Mighty Mack

Sweet Mighty Mack had a few test results come back, and it has been found that she needs a life-saving bone marrow donation. This is how to help!

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (19 May 2021) – Little Mackenzie Friedman, affectionately known as Mighty Mack, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on Wednesday, 12th of May 2021, and in just 7 days, her story has touched the hearts of South Africans and mobilised many to donate blood in honour of her journey.

We shared her story after an entire community was mobilised to donate blood as she was in need of blood transfusions. Sadly her medical case has changed since we shared her story , and her Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) has been diagnosed as high risk.

Sweet little Mack now needs a bone marrow transplant to help her fight this awful diagnosis. Mack’s mother, Megan Harrington-Johnson, has taken to social media to share the medical update and ask for anyone who isn’t registered as a bone marrow donor to please do so to help her daughter.

The more donors registered on the list, the higher Mack’s chances of finding a life-saving match.

“Mack’s Army! Mighty Mack needs you!!

After Mack’s bone marrow extraction yesterday, we didn’t receive the news we were hoping for. They have officially classified Mack’s leukaemia as AML MLL. This makes her a high-risk case which likely means much more aggressive chemo and a bone marrow transplant (as with MLL, the risks of relapse are far higher)

They can’t do a transplant until they kill off all her marrow with hardcore chemo. For now, she’s going to continue needing platelets and blood every couple of days.

It would be great if we get as many people on the Bone Marrow Registry as possible! You just register and can check to see if you are eligible. Once registered, they send you a swab test, which you send back to them. They can then start matching this against people who need it, and Mackenzie may be that person!

As always, if it doesn’t match with Mack, there are many sick people who are looking for donors, and you may just be their saviour.

We will post more info on the process, but for now, get registered and tested!

www.dkms-africa.org (formally known as The Sunflower Fund) or www.sabmr.co.za. The Bone Marrow Registry is international, so if you are overseas, you can still register and get tested.”

Mackenzie’s story has mobilised South Africans to get involved and help the country’s bloodstock 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. She will continue to need blood transfusions so please continue these awareness drives as well.

Now that the plea for bone marrow donors has been made, Mack’s Army is taking up the call and registering.

How to become a registered donor

  • Register Online at www.dkms-africa.org (formally known as The Sunflower Fund) or www.sabmr.co.za.
  • You will be notified if you qualify to be a donor by working through their lists.
  • No blood or needles involved, just a cheek swab.
  • Registering is free of charge.

Sources: Mighty Mack 
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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