Hey there, I’m Jared Smith, a Johannesburg native with a passion for storytelling that runs as deep as the roots of my hometown. I currently reside in Cape Town, and surf whenever I can!
My leukaemia diagnosis caused a whirlwind of emotions within me. I found myself dealing with a combination of anxiety and uncertainty about what lay ahead. As someone who thrived on physical activity, the realisation that I could no longer do the things I used to enjoy hit me hard. It’s difficult to express the frustration of having something you care deeply about suddenly taken away from you. Questions swirled through my mind, challenging me to find meaning in the face of adversity.
Despite the turmoil, a glimmer of resilience began to emerge. I realised that, while leukemia had changed the course of my life, it could not diminish my spirit.
It’s funny, but during my illness, we triggered the Bone Marrow Registry four times. For nearly ten years, no match was found for me, both locally and internationally. I was one of the first people in my country to test new drugs from various pharmaceutical companies to stay alive. They said my tissue type was unusual, making finding a match difficult. It may seem unbelievable to some, but it took nearly 14 years after my diagnosis to find my first match! Describing my emotions is difficult, but it felt like a huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders. It was like finally getting a break from going to the oncology clinic. I discovered that my match was young, and they stated that this person was recently added to the registry due to their age.
Life after my transplant is a remarkable journey, filled with moments of triumph and resilience! While the road to recovery may span nearly five years, I’ve embraced it with unwavering positivity and determination. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joyously resumed my favourite physical activities, including surfing, running, and swimming. These moments of freedom and exhilaration serve as a testament to the strength and resilience that reside within me, reminding me that with perseverance and optimism, anything is possible!
To think that someone, a complete stranger, chose to extend the gift of life to me is truly humbling. Joining the SABMR is truly an act of compassion and generosity. The thought of potentially saving another person’s life carries immense weight and significance. In our diverse society, the need for donors is often urgent, highlighting the profound impact each registration can have. What’s beautiful is that it doesn’t demand much from you; it’s non-invasive and requires only a small commitment of your time. It’s a heartfelt opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone else’s life, a chance to offer hope and healing in the most profound way possible.
The SABMR will forever hold a special place in my heart. Whenever I come across their name, it serves as a reminder of my own journey and the vital role they play in registering potential donors. My experiences with them have been nothing short of sincere and memorable. They will always occupy a cherished corner of my heart.