AN adorable one-year-old named Ziphozenkosi needs your help! Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), he now needs to find the perfect genetic match to live a full life. Unfortunately, there is no match for him on the stem cell registry, meaning that you could potentially be the match he needs! Visit dkms-africa.org/ziphozenkosi-needs-you to register.

Described by his family as a bubbly and joyful baby who loves dancing and has a special fondness for Cocomelon, baby Ziphozenkosi is the youngest among two adoring sisters and a brother. He was given the nickname ‘Tyson the fighter’ by his dad – not knowing that little Zipho would put on a fight for his life.

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According to a statement released by DKMS Africa on their Facebook page, Nqobile, Ziphozenkosi’s mother, received the diagnosis in January of this year. “The initial symptoms that manifested included fevers, a pale complexion, recurrent nosebleeds, swollen feet and bouts of hospital visits due to constipation. Concerned for their child’s well-being, the family sought medical guidance to uncover the cause of his declining health,” said the statement.

The revelation came at eThekwini Hospital when Ziphozenkosi was diagnosed with AML. “The news struck the family hard as they never imagined such a reality could befall their vibrant and healthy household. Since his admission to the hospital, baby Ziphozenkosi has undergone chemotherapy and was in the Intensive Care Unit following a severe reaction to his treatment,” said DKMS Africa.

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Nqobile is fervently appealing to the public to step up and make a difference, drawing a poignant parallel. “If Jesus could donate His blood to save us, surely we can follow suit and emulate His selflessness.” She holds out hope that a generous donor will come forward and grant her baby boy the precious gift of a second chance at life.

“Baby Ziphozenkosi exemplifies resilience, strength and bravery in the face of his diagnosis, but he can’t do it alone. He urgently needs your support to live a long and fulfilling life ahead. Register to become a stem cell donor today at dkms-africa.org/ziphozenkosi-needs-you and help save his life,” said DKMS Africa.

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