Little Maddalena has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and is now in urgent need of a blood stem cell donor to help her beat the disease. Diagnosed at the tender age of three months old, this tiny warrior has been fighting for her life since November 2021.
“ALL is the most common blood cancer among children aged two to 10, accounting for 75% of diagnoses,” explains Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa. “It stems from genetic mutations in bone marrow, causing uncontrolled growth of immature lymphocytes called lymphoblasts. These white blood cells lose maturity and function, leading to reduced red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This weakens the body’s infection defence despite potentially high white blood cell counts.”
Maddalena’s parents, Alessandra and Norman, first noticed something was wrong when their daughter’s tummy began to harden. They consulted a doctor and were referred to the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre for further tests. Two days later, they received the devastating diagnosis.
Chemotherapy was initially successful and Maddalena was declared cancer-free after contracting and recovering from RSV (a potentially fatal respiratory virus to infants) and COVID. Unfortunately, in June 2023 she relapsed to the point where she could no longer walk or talk. She also had to be placed on chemo once again.
“It breaks my heart when I see her reaction to being in a hospital because she knows what it means now. I’m asking people to please register so my baby can have a second chance at health and life,” pleads Alessandra.
Finding a stem cell donor and receiving a transplant is Maddalena’s best chance of living out a full and happy Cocomelon-filled life. Help her by registering to become a stem cell donor at dkms-africa.org/maddy-needs-you.
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