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Original poster

Every parent's worst nightmare - please help

383 replies

Rosieted · 02/04/2023 11:36

Twelve weeks ago my cousin's daughter was a healthy and happy 10 year old, enjoying a sleepover for her birthday and dancing with her friends way past her bedtime. Then all of a sudden, just after Christmas, her parents noticed strange bruising on her body. They didn't think it was anything serious but took her to her GP who ran her bloods. When the results came back everyone was in shock - they showed that her bone marrow had suddenly stopped working and after various tests she was diagnosed with a very rare and incredibly serious blood condition called aplastic anemia.

She is now in hospital having regular transfusions of red blood cells and platelets which are keeping her alive. In order to be cured she needs a stem cell transplant, and fast.

Her brother sadly isn't a match. Nor is anyone currently on the stem cell donor registry. My beautiful relative is now very poorly in hospital and is reliant on a total stranger to do something amazing and donate some of their stem cells to save her life.

I had no idea, but 90% of stem cell donations are taken from a donor's blood in much the same way as giving blood - it's pretty simple, yet it could save someone's life.

If you are reading this, please could you consider joining the donor stem cell registry. You could be the match that my god daughter needs. A group of her friends have set up a campaign called #swabyourgob and you can sign up to join the registry by ordering your free mouth swab kit from www.dkms.org.uk/swabyourgob

Even if you are not a match for her, you could be for the many people each year who need the kindness of a total stranger to save their lives.

Thank you so much for reading x

Register as a potential donor

To become a potential blood stem cell donor, just check your eligibility and request a swab kit.

http://www.dkms.org.uk/swabyourgob

OP posts:
EmilyGilmoresSass · 03/04/2023 22:05

nothingcomestonothing · 03/04/2023 19:30

I genuinely feel something like this should be mandatory.

I absolutely agree that stem cell donation should be much more publicised, but you can't make it mandatory. Where would that lead, mandatory egg donations for IVF, mandatory kidney donations since you've got two and can live with one? I really hope this little girl and everyone waiting for a match gets one, but people cannot be forced to donate part of their bodies, even if it wouldn't be that bad for them and someone else really needs it.

I mean being swabbed in the very least. I understand people cannot be forced to donate. But if it was mandatory to be swabbed then people who perhaps wouldn't have considered it otherwise may think twice.

Freddie28 · 03/04/2023 22:08

Praying a match is found.

I just signed up my three children, I'm too old. x

Teenagehorrorbag · 03/04/2023 22:27

Tried but I'm too old. I wish your goddaughter a swift match and a great recovery. So sad to hear.....Sad.

Babycakes39 · 03/04/2023 22:27

Signed up xx

Ukrainebaby23 · 03/04/2023 22:33

I'm too old but I was registered as a donor from about aged 25 and once was given the nearly match can we check you further once.

It's alot simpler these days and I hope the donor is found soon. I dont know your heritage but I think donors with similar heritage tend to be a better match.

Wishing you and family the best of luck for your search, and I hope this thread keeps getting bumped to keep awareness high.

ReallyTryingTo · 03/04/2023 22:34

Am already registered as a stem cell donor. Have also have never been called.
I hope someone is found for her. 🤞

icelolly99 · 03/04/2023 22:46

Just signed up ❤

TimeForTeaAndG · 03/04/2023 22:48

Signed up for the swab pack. I hope you find a match soon.

T1Dmama · 03/04/2023 22:57

Are neither of her parents / aunts uncles a match?
I’ve got a friend who donated her stem cells to her (non identical) sister.

will stem cells cure her?

T1Dmama · 03/04/2023 23:03

EmilyGilmoresSass · 03/04/2023 22:05

I mean being swabbed in the very least. I understand people cannot be forced to donate. But if it was mandatory to be swabbed then people who perhaps wouldn't have considered it otherwise may think twice.

Show quote history

Shouldn’t be mandatory at all. Why should someone who has no intention of donating be swabbed?… It would just be worse knowing there’s a match that won’t donate… and unfair pressure on the match.

thecatsarecrazy · 03/04/2023 23:11

Sorry to hear this op. My dad was diagnosed with mds in 2008 and passed away from it in 2021. I went on the list but have never been called. I think I might be too old now

CakeJumper · 03/04/2023 23:13

I’m on the register, would donate in a heartbeat . Really really hope she gets a match, how heartbreaking xxx

NellePorter · 03/04/2023 23:14

I've just requested a kit xx

sunnysideurp · 03/04/2023 23:19

Bumping for you OP.

We had a close call recently, with our DD. We're all on the register x

KilljoysMakeSomeNoise · 03/04/2023 23:26

I didn't realise I was eligible for this. I have signed up for a swab kit.

I hope your cousin's daughter finds a suitable donor. Flowers

JustOneDD · 03/04/2023 23:35

@Rosieted I’m not sure if this is right or not (someone correct me if they know) but it might be helpful to give your god daughter’s ethnicity as sometimes there’s difficulty finding a match if not enough of that ethnicity are on the register.. could encourage the “right” donor to register.

Whenisitwineoclocktime · 03/04/2023 23:44

Just registered ❤

sugarrosepetal · 04/04/2023 01:16

I tried but I'm not eligible, sorry. X

RachaelN · 04/04/2023 03:15

I am already a donor and have been on the list for 5 years. I have never been contacted so far. I always mention it to people so they can also join.

UseOfWeapons · 04/04/2023 07:15

Too old. I wish you and and your loved ones all the best, and well done for bringing this into focus.

Igmum · 04/04/2023 07:36

Too old but bumping this and praying for your lovely god-daughter

Fluffypinkcushion · 04/04/2023 07:52

I'm so sorry you are going through this. As someone who has had a bone marrow transplant I understand all too well what you are going through. Praying you get your match, lots of love ❤

Bugbabe1970 · 04/04/2023 08:19

My DiLs sister had to have this treatment. Luckily her father was a match and she is now in remission

linsey2581 · 04/04/2023 09:21

Unfortunately I can’t register as I am anaemic myself. I’m not even allowed to donate blood. Hope you find a suitable donor soon x

Spanielsandsandypaws · 04/04/2023 09:38

So sorry to hear with your cousins Daughter. I hope someone will be a match. I have just registered. X