Little miss Mighty Mack has got her breath back; after 5-weeks on a ventilator, she is breathing on her own and making strides in her recovery.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 July 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.
In the last update we had shared, Mackenzie had just celebrated her 6-months milestone. At the time, Mack had undergone surgery on her lung to remove a growth. The surgery was incredibly risky but thankfully, the growth was removed. Mack was back in the ICU recovering but in an induced coma and hooked up to a ventilator.
She went on to catch a bacterial infection over the last weekend but managed to fight it off. Her doctors picked up the infection and in minutes, she was given the support to fight it off.
An update came through on WhatsApp recently that is filled with hope and good news. Mackenzie keeps defying the odds and fights her way forward. Take a read below.
“Yesterday was a good day- Mack was extubated and has been off the ventilator for almost 24 hours now, which is incredible for a baby of her age, after having been ventilated for almost 5 weeks. She is still breathing on high-pressure oxygen, which they will wean over the next few days.
Her throat is very raw and sore so she hasn’t quite found her voice yet but we are hoping she is a lot more comfortable as she is now very alert and awake.
Mom and dad both got to hold her yesterday.
The next round of chemo drugs have been ordered from the States (due to the change in treatment they’ve decided on), and the plan for now is to start the next round on Monday.
Megs is hoping to be able to move back into the hospital today.”
Mom and dad have been back with Mackenzie over the last few weeks and have loved being able to be with her, encouraging her forward. Take a look at the beautiful family moment below.
How can you help?
Keep saying those prayers, sending out the good vibes and keeping the family in your thoughts.
Blood donations are also a great way to help. 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. They also need a bigger bone marrow registry so you can help in that way too!
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.