Wanted - Modern Heroes

When we realised that I would need a stem cell transplant, many people told me that I could have their stem cells if they matched, and asked how they could get tested. To find out how to get tested and how to put yourself on the register visit: https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/join-stem-cell-register

The truth is, there is only a very small chance that anyone will match. Usually, if siblings can’t help, you have to search donor registers of approximately 1.4 million people. Unfortunately, there are some groups such as 'young men' who are hugely underrepresented.

While those who offered me their stem cells had genuine and positive intentions, and were genuinely willing to get tested, in many cases the motivation dissipates and nothing more happens.

I was very lucky that I had a sister who was very keen to donate her stem cells. I had a transplant and 18 months later I am still here, and making steady progress.

May I reframe things, and take you to a dark place for a moment....

Imagine that you or your child needs a stem cell transplant. Imagine there are no matches in your close family. You then become reliant on the donor register. This register exists because people are ready to step up and give you (or your child) their stem cells at a time that you are in desperate need. Wonderful people!

Shouldn't we be prepared to do the same for them as they have already stated they will do for us? There is no other answer than YES we should be prepared to do the same. I completely understand that donating stem cells might be difficult and in some cases impossible, but if you are able then please at least get tested (it is generally just a swab or a blood test).

The register will only be at its most effective if we all get tested and get added to it. The vast majority of people on the register never get called upon (currently it's about a 1 in 800 chance), but they are there and they are ready, and that is significant. But it is still only 2% of us who are registered.

When registered, if you are ever called upon, you don’t have to go through with it if you choose not to.? My sister had many many conversations with medical professionals to ensure that she was not coerced in any way.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be matched. Approximately 40% of people looking for a match wont find one. Getting tested is easy, and donating stem cells is easy too, it's just like giving blood. However, instead of giving blood, it comes out of one arm, passes through a device that harvests the stem cells, then goes straight back into the other arm. You feel no more than two pricks, one in each arm, and an injection to prep you about a week prior (sometimes accompanied by cold symptoms).

So, would you be prepared to do this to save another life? Perhaps to save someone who is already registered to save your life or the life of your child if it was ever required. 2% of us have already answered the call. But it is ONLY 2%! I believe it is largely down to lack of awareness. Please share this to raise awareness, and if you can, get registered.

Now, that's the easy part. Here's the bit that is slightly more challenging...

Stem cells of people under the age of 30 are far more likely to achieve better results. It follows that the younger the donor is the better the likely outcome. The register accommodates people as young as 16, although I believe they are not allowed to donate until they are 18 (as they have to be an adult making their own choice).

If you have children who are young adults then please talk to them about this. One day they or their own children may need it. I understand that it can feel challenging to ask this of your children (even as young adults), but remember, we would all hope and expect other young adults to be willing to donate if we or our children were ever in need.

Act now, arrange for your family to be tested and put on the register: https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/join-stem-cell-register

If that is still a little bit beyond you at this time, then please at least share this post, others might be able to help. Talk about it with work colleagues, any clubs or societies that you are involved with, sports teams, higher education establishments, hobby groups etc. Make gaining registrations your philanthropic objective in the coming year.

I understand how difficult it is to find the will and motivation, I have family and friends who understand how desperate things can be, and they still haven't been tested, and that's okay. But let's not miss registrations through a lack of awareness.

Please become one of the current minority who succeed in becoming the majority. Please become one of those wonderful heroes. We might not benefit, but our children will.

AND A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE ALREADY ON THE REGISTER!

#Heroes #StemCellRegister #AnthonyNolan