Mighty Mack’s Army has set up a blood drive this weekend at Fourways Mall to help get as many life-saving donations as possible.
Fourways, South Africa (25 June 2021) – Little Mackenzie Friedman, affectionately known as Mighty Mack, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on Wednesday, 12th of May 2021; her story has touched the hearts of South Africans and mobilised many to donate blood and register as bone marrow donors 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 changed since we shared her story, and her Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) had been diagnosed as high risk.
Last week Miss Mack found herself battling a bout of interstitial pneumonia which they believe was caused by an underlying bacterial infection. She was placed in the care of the ICU and has spent a week there fighting off infection.
“The bacterial infection has infiltrated her bone marrow. This is very rare and is difficult to treat. They have her on all the right drugs to treat the fungal and bacterial infections but we just have to pray that she responds.”
She was placed on a ventilator as her lungs struggled, but thankfully, her doctors are now weaning her off the ventilator.
The good news is that Mack’s bone marrow results came back, and while she isn’t in remission yet, she is getting close. They plan to do another round of Chemo, all while waiting to find the perfect bone marrow match. Due to Covid, many of the bone marrow collection drives have had to be cancelled, but you can still sign up and do the process remotely.
There is also a blood drive happening this weekend at Fourways Mall in the North of Johannesburg. If you are not in the area, you can find your nearest SANBS blood bank here to make your life-saving donation. You can stay up to date on all things Mack by following her Facebook page here.
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.
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