Family Medicine Specialist Given a Second Chance at Life

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Last year, Professor Andrew Ross, family medicine specialist, received devastating news: he had been diagnosed with high-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a serious condition affecting the bone marrow stem cells and blood cells. At the time, he was given 6 - 15 months to live. Now, a year later and thanks to a stem cell donor, Ross is thriving, and on his way, to making a full recovery.

In August 2024, the College of Health Sciences partnered with DKMS to recruit 1 000 potential stem cell donors. Many UKZN staff and students participated in the launch of the campaign at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine by submitting cheek swabs for HLA (human leukocyte antigen) testing. Once analysed, potential matches were contacted by the DKMS Africa medical team. Stem cell donations are a non-invasive process involving the extraction of blood from one arm, with the stem cells separated and the remaining blood returned through the other arm.

Soon after the launch, DKMS matched Ross with a suitable stem cell donor based in the United Kingdom. An emotional Ross shared: “I was blessed to receive a stem cell transplant on 11 December 2024 and am now 206 days post-transplant. There were a few challenges along the way - some bleeding around the PICC line due to non-functional platelets, and a bout of sepsis when my white cell count was zero - but, by and large, things went really well.”

“I am forever grateful to God for this life-saving gift, giving me a second chance at life. I could not have managed this journey without my wife, who was my 24 hour a day caregiver for four months and our sons and daughter in law, who were able to be in Pretoria with us,” said Ross.

Against all odds, Ross overcame his health challenges and made a triumphant return to work on 1 July 2025. He will continue to be involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research supervision, examination marking. He is not expected to resume clinical duties until late 2025.

“The support from family, friends and colleagues has been amazing,” he said. “My cell counts are looking good - WCC 6.2, platelets 202, and Hb 12.2 - and my white cell chimerism is at 84%. I look forward to seeing you all around Medical School in the coming weeks and months.”

Several staff members responded positively to the good news as Ross’s story unfolded. Sister Jane Taylor from the UKZN Health Clinic said: “I am delighted to read this message from Andrew. He is so deserving. Our prayers were answered.”

Ms Pinky Mnyaka from UKZN’s HIV/AIDS Unit echoed the sentiment: “Wow! Excellent news. I’m so happy - this just made my day.”

DKMS Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer and blood disorders by giving patients a second chance at life. Their mission, rooted in hope and driven by science includes building an ethnically diverse registry of stem cell donors, raising public awareness, and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied