Every parent's worst nightmare - please help

[Rosieted]

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

Registered

I just answered the questions but sadly I am too old. I send 🙏 prayers that a donor match comes very quickly for your god daughter 💐

Hi OP, just wondering, can anyone be on the register? Do you have to be youngish, healthy or other requirements? Thanks

Sadly, a health condition precludes me from being accepted.

But I've forwarded your link to other family members and friends.

Sending strength to your cousin's daughter, and to anyone going through similar. Really hope matches can be found speedily.

Registered a decade ago when a friend was in need of a donor as a result of leukemia (she found her match although unfortunately it wasn't successful for her) but bumping for visibility. As others have noted, I was surprised that you can be eligible for this even if you wouldn't be eligible to give blood so definitely worth checking the criteria even if you think you wouldn't be accepted!

I'm already on the register. I hope someone is found for your family. I'm so sorry for what you and your god daughter and your family are going through 🩷

I've just registered and will try and encourage others! Sending so many thoughts to your god daughter ! Thank you for highlighting this

Unfortunately my health means I can't but I have shared.

I hope your god daughter gets the help she needs.

Registered 💐

I was all set to sign up but can't due to a previous operation ☹️ But I hope your post boosts donations and that your goddaughter finds a match soon

Registered

I have just registered!

I used to be a blood donor but am now unable, due to receiving a platelet transfusion myself. Am delighted that I can help in this way.

Sending the best of wishes to your young relative, @Rosieted

Unfortunately my health conditions mean I can't but I truly hope your cousin's daughter will be okay.

So very sad to read this. I was on the register for many years but am now too old. I shall be thinking of you all.

Registered xx

It is a little more involved than giving blood. My husband did it a few years ago and it is actually quite a big deal, involving two days in hospital and multiple injections. While I wouldn’t want to put people off, it is something you should look into before committing.

I've just registered for a swab pack. Keeping everything crossed that a donor is found soon x

I’ve been on the register for years but never been called upon. I hope a match is found.

I'm so sorry to hear this, OP, but thank you for sharing. I've just registered.

I’ve just registered for a swab pack, I am not eligible to be a blood donor and wrongly assumed it would prevent me from doing this for the same reasons but doesn’t appear to be the case.

Crossing everything that a donor match is found for your god daughter asap 🤞

Unfortunately I'm too old ,but I hope your goddaughter finds a suitable donor.

Registered 🤞🏼

Unfortunately I’m over-age but I so hope you get a match very soon and with all the other people registering that should increase the chances for other patients too. Incidentally, my DGM had aplastic anaemia and my DM had already told me at 6 years old that Granny was very ill and likely to die so the situation must have been quite serious. I don’t know what treatments were given but she recovered and lived another 20 years so there is hope!

I have registered for a swap pack as well had no idea about this