We want to share an important and transparent update on Sadie and Jesse’s medical journey as we enter the next phase. While Sadie and Jesse share the same diagnosis, their treatment pathways are now different.
Jesse has been accepted into a specialised DOCK8 treatment programme with the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States following extensive medical review. As part of this programme, Jesse’s core transplant and treatment are being addressed within a clinical research framework. Jesse will travel to Washington DC with his parents in January 2026 to begin this phase of treatment and recovery, which is expected to take several months, subject to medical response and progress. There remain additional medical considerations outside of the NIH programme, including longer-term follow-up care, post-treatment needs once Jesse returns home, and certain procedures that are not covered within the research protocol. These aspects are still being evaluated in consultation with Jesse’s medical team.
Sadie is currently too young to qualify for the same programme. Her treatment pathway is still being actively pursued with international transplant centres, while she remains in South Africa under close medical supervision and maintenance treatment. Based on current medical input, Sadie’s transplant and associated care represent the largest remaining funding need, with initial estimates of approximately R8–R20 million, depending on clinical factors and complications.
When this campaign began, we were preparing for the possibility that both children would require fully self-funded international transplants, which is why earlier estimates were higher. As Jesse’s pathway has become clearer, the fundraising goal has been adjusted to reflect the remaining and anticipated medical needs, particularly for Sadie, as well as ongoing and unforeseen care for both children.
Stem cell transplantation is complex and high-risk, and costs and timelines can change. We remain committed to sharing updates responsibly as plans evolve. As Jesse and his parents travel to the US from 9 January, updates will be shared directly by the parents via the family’s Facebook page. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported, donated, prayed, and walked this journey with us.
