THUMBIKO's Battle Against Leukemia. Bone Marrow Transplant

On October 28, 2024, our world was shattered when Thumbiko, just 5 months shy of his 16th birthday, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). He has gone through relentless rounds of chemotherapy and has faced unimaginable physical and emotional pain, suffering no child should ever have to bear and no parent should ever have to witness.

The cancer is in remission but not where the doctors would like. After three cycles of chemotherapy, his bone marrow test was still positive for Minimum Residual Disease (MRD), meaning he still has few cancer cells that could result in a relapse within a year or two. This prompted the Doctors to refer him to India because he needs stronger doses of chemo and bone marrow transplant which unfortunately cannot be administered safely in country.

Yet, through it all, Thumbiko has shown remarkable resilience. Anyone who knows him can attest to his kindness, warmth, unwavering positivity, fun, a deep love for God, family,friends...and the outdoors.

Undoubtedly, this treatment journey is filled with challenges. But Thumbiko, who turned 16 on March 23, continues to possess an amazing will to live. Without hesitation, he chose to fight, to keep moving forward, to live on. And as his parents and family, we will stand unwaveringly by his side, fighting this battle with him until the very end as God gives us grace.

However, we now face a critical hurdle: money.We have been asked to pay around US$140,000.00 upfront to initiate the treatment, an astronomical sum given our current financial situation. This amount excludes, travel and accommodation to India. We need an estimated US$24,000.00 for that. We will need a minimum of two months in the country. These procedures are to be done as soon as possible.

The budget now stands at approximately $164,000.00 or MK293,000,000.00 or GBP130,000.00. We, friends and other wellwishers continue to pursue all avenues available to us to meet this goal.

Faced with astronomical treatment costs, we have truly reached our limit and are unable to afford it. Therefore, we have no choice but to humbly turn to you for help. We humbly ask everyone to lend a helping hand and join us in saving Thumbiko, giving him a chance to live.

Every donation, no matter the size, gives Thumbiko hope and a chance for survival, allowing us to be by his side with the love and care he needs to endure this battle. Your support encourages our family and gives us the strength to face whatever comes next. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, we know that with your help, we will fight on. Your donation means more than just financial support.

For those who are in Malawi and not able to give through this platform, please contact the organizer, who is Thumbiko's cousin. He will sort you out.

It is not easy to come out in public in this way, but for son’s life, we are willing to do whatever it takes.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can offer. Our family will forever remember your kindness. And we hope that as we emerge from this ordeal, we can pay it forward and give back in some way.

With love and hope,

Sunganani & Naomi Manjolo