A Race Against Time: Help Save Baby Leo

Born prematurely, Leo spent 18 days in the NICU. During routine tests, doctors discovered he had low blood platelets, leading to further investigations. The results confirmed that his body is unable to produce red or white blood cells or platelets. Without these vital components, Leo relies entirely on ongoing blood transfusions. But transfusions are only a temporary fix—his only hope for survival is a stem cell transplant.

Leo's parents, Andrew and Tarryn, describe their journey as an emotional rollercoaster—one filled with heartbreak and uncertainty: “There’s no way to prepare for this. Leo was born with a congenital heart condition and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, so every day is a battle. On top of that, he has seen 23 medical specialists, undergone multiple biopsies, X-rays, ultrasounds, and endured countless painful blood tests and procedures under anesthetic. Watching our little boy go through so much has been devastating.”

To keep Leo alive, he had to undergo 14 blood transfusions—and the need for more is ongoing. Despite an extensive search for donors through national and international registries, no suitable donor has been found. Now, the family is placing their hope in the kindness of a perfect matching stranger.

If you are between 17 and 55, you could be Leo’s lifesaving match. A simple cheek swab is all it takes to register as a stem cell donor.

Visit dkms-africa.org/help-save-leo to register and help save Leo’s life.

Remember, all costs related to the donation process are taken care of by DKMS Africa. You will not be asked to pay for anything.