Mighty Mack’s Godfather, “Uncle Chad”, was notified in March that he was potentially a stem cell match for someone in need; now he is a successful donor!
South Africa (31 May 2023) – Mighty Mack’s Godfather Uncle Chad has become a stem cell donor! His story is proof that these awareness campaigns save lives. When Mackenzie “Mighty Mack” Friedman was diagnosed with cancer and it became clear she would need a stem cell/bone marrow transplant, everyone close to the family signed up to be donors. Sadly, none of them matched Mackenzie, but the chance of saving another life, just like Mack’s, was absolutely possible.
Uncle Chad, as Mack knows him, got the call at the end of March. He then started the process of further testing to see how much of a match he could be. He passed through each phase of the process and was finally able to start the process of being a donor.
The family has continued to advocate for blood and bone marrow donors. Throughout Mackenzie’s battle, her parents, Megan and Bronson, connected with other families going through the same struggles. It is for them and every child undergoing treatment for blood cancers and disorders that they continue to raise awareness today.
With so many Mighty Mack Army members registered, we look forward to hearing of more people like Uncle Chad who match with people in need of donors.
Mack’s aunts shared the happy update on her Mighty Mack page, and it has been filled with joy by all her supporters.
“This is Chad. Chad is Mack’s Godfather and a few weeks ago he was contacted to say he could be somebodies bone marrow match! Chad had registered as a bone marrow donor when Mackenzie got sick and even though he wasn’t a match for her, it turned out that he was a match for another anonymous person. Chad has spent the last week having injections to stimulate his stem cell production and today he underwent the procedure to extract his bone marrow
We love you Uncle Chad! Thank you for giving some cancer hero a tomorrow”
Having one of the Mighty Mack Army supporters being a match, truly warms the heart! And you could be next! If you are eligible, you can become a donor using the details below.
As for updates on Mackenzie, they are still taking place each week on Facebook. You can follow along 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 are involved, just a cheek swab.
- Registering is free of charge.
Minimum Requirements to be a Bone Marrow Donor:
- You are between the ages of 18 and 45 years old.
- You have a minimum weight of 50 kg.
- You have a BMI of around 40 (or lower).
- Potential donors must be in good health and have no condition that donating would adversely affect them.
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