Meet Jessie Radebe who was born and raised in Johannesburg and will turn 30 on 30 March 2025. (She currently resides in Ridgeway, in the south of Johannesburg and is single.)
(She works for Africa Cosmos, where she provides training services for the CIT space and cash processing sector. She is part of the Skills Development department, where they manage learnerships for both employed and unemployed individuals, as well as bursary programmes for those in need.) She has always loved her job because she enjoys working with young individuals who are eager to improve their lives. Helping others achieve their goals is something she is truly passionate about.
In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, discovering new music, and spending quality time with her family and best friends. She calls herself a homebody but occasionally does enjoy going out to new places.
While she was still a student, she went to donate blood with her friends on the campus and the SABMR team was there, speaking to students about bone marrow stem cell donation and explaining how a simple registration could potentially save a life. She signed up without thinking too much about it and carried on with her day. At the time, she didn’t realize how significant that moment would be. That simple decision, made on an ordinary afternoon, turned out to be one of the most meaningful things she has ever done.
When she was called and informed that she was a possible match for a patient she was caught completely off guard — she never thought she would actually be a match for someone. Her emotions were all over the place: surprised, nervous, excited, and even a little scared. It was a lot to take in!
The idea that her body could produce something that could save another person’s life was overwhelming in the best way possible. She knew immediately that she wanted to go through with it — no hesitation whatsoever.
Her family and friends were incredibly supportive when she told them that she was going to donate bone marrow stem cells. They constantly checked in on her and encouraged her throughout the process. She says that she had an amazing support system, which made the experience even more special.
Leading up to the donation, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Physically, the injections had some side effects. She experienced body aches, joint pain, and pain in her bones. It wasn’t the easiest experience, but she kept reminding herself why she was doing this. She felt that if a little discomfort on her side could save someone’s life, then it was 100% worth it.
The morning of the donation, she was a little anxious but was welcomed so warmly by Marzelle from SABMR and three amazing ladies from SANBS. She says that their kindness and reassurance made such a difference; it helped her feel safe, comfortable, and even excited.
The procedure itself was much easier than she expected. She had the Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Femoral procedure done, and to her relief, there was no pain during the process. It was smooth, and she felt well taken care of. It was also a very quick process! Looking back, she realizes how important it is to have a team that makes you feel comfortable. She says that the kindness she experienced that day made everything feel even more special.
The day after the donation she felt like her body was still recovering. She was still sore, but the pain was much less than before. The exhaustion, however, was real. She felt like she had run a marathon. But within two days she was back to feeling like herself again. No pain, no discomfort; just a deep sense of gratitude.
Life after the donation has been great! She often wonders how the recipient is doing now. Knowing that she was able to be a part of something so meaningful fills her heart.
She says that her experience with SABMR has been nothing short of amazing. From the very first phone call to the most recent check-in, the team has been incredibly supportive, kind, and dedicated. They made sure she was comfortable every step of the way and kept in touch to ensure my recovery was going well. Their passion for what they do is inspiring, and she truly admires the work that SABMR puts into saving lives
If there’s one thing she could say to someone considering signing up, it would be this: DO IT!. You never know the impact you could have on someone’s life.
When she registered, she never thought she would actually be a match for someone. But years later knows how her small decision helped give someone another chance at life. She says that feeling is indescribable.
She says that being a donor doesn’t cost you anything but could mean everything to someone else. So, why not take that step? You could be someone’s second chance.