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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:
Workinghardeveryday · 02/04/2023 13:44

I was going to but can’t due to health.

I really hope you get a match soon xx

TheMamaYo · 02/04/2023 13:45

I've registered. Wishing you all the very best.

SpaghettiSquash · 02/04/2023 13:48

So sorry to hear about your goddaughter OP Flowers

Those of you saying that you are too old are you over 55? The register OP linked to allowed you to register if you are under 55 unlike the Anthony Nolan trust which require you to be under 30. Just wanted to highlight in case people haven't registered because they think they are too old.

olympicsrock · 02/04/2023 13:49

cadburyegg · 02/04/2023 13:01

Sorry, looks like it's up to age 40 but men only.

i thought this too. It’s not . You are eligible up to 55.
I just signed up for a swab pack. I wish they would give you the information first though….
The FAQ page comes after you sign up
90% of the donations are peripheral blood but you need to be in hospital for 2 days and take growth stimulatingn tell factor which causes your spleen to become enlarged temporarily. Cannulas in both arms for 3-5 hours. 10% of donations are from bone marrow in the hip bone under general anaesthetic. It’s painful.

I’m a bit conflicted but god if it was my child I would want someone to be brave and step up.

TheBookAccordingtoIsaac · 02/04/2023 13:51

I've just registered and donated!

Sending lots of love to your goddaughter.
XxX

MrNook · 02/04/2023 13:53

Just signed up

RichardHeed · 02/04/2023 13:54

This reply has been deleted

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

I think because you’ve entered 9st and 135lbs so it’s thinking you’re 18 stone possibly? If you enter 9st 0lbs it hopefully will work.

I’m not eligible but DP is so has ordered a pack. Fingers crossed for a donor match soon.

BooksAndHooks · 02/04/2023 13:54

Just checked and unfortunately I am not eligible to donate.

QuintanaRoo · 02/04/2023 13:55

I’m already on the register. Hope she finds a donor soon.

NYE2023 · 02/04/2023 13:56

Good luck OP . I’m already on the donor register and hope that you find a match soon . Best wishes

cantkeepawayforever · 02/04/2023 13:56

No idea how much I weigh so as to register. I remember ‘speak your weight’ machines many tears ago - are there publicly available scales anywhere these days?

RelentlessForwardProgress · 02/04/2023 13:58

I have just registered after reading this thread. I hope a donor is found very quickly.

pencilpot99 · 02/04/2023 13:58

Registered. Really easy, took a couple of minutes. I’m already a blood donor but didn’t know about this so thank you for sharing the info.

I hope à match is found. ❤️

BlueEyesUltimateDragon · 02/04/2023 13:58

I've just registered 💜

kittensinthekitchen · 02/04/2023 13:58

I'm not eligible on health grounds, sadly, but I sincerely hope your relative receives good news soon Flowers

RelentlessForwardProgress · 02/04/2023 13:59

cantkeepawayforever · 02/04/2023 13:56

No idea how much I weigh so as to register. I remember ‘speak your weight’ machines many tears ago - are there publicly available scales anywhere these days?

Sometimes big branches of Boots and other pharmacies have a big scales you stand on to get a little print out of your weight

Livelovebehappy · 02/04/2023 14:00

Ive just registered OP. What a shock for your family. Really hope a match is found soon. x

feelingrubbish2023 · 02/04/2023 14:00

I'm already on the register, will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Howmanysleepsnow · 02/04/2023 14:05

I’ve just registered. I’ll be honest, I’m terrified of being called up, but as a mum I’d hope someone would do it for my children if needed.

BloomForever · 02/04/2023 14:05

Registered. Wishing the best for you all x

MaltedCow · 02/04/2023 14:07

My health condition prohibits me from registering but I really hope that they find a match for your niece ❤️

Lordofthebutterfloofs · 02/04/2023 14:12

I'm too fat apparently, but I tried.

thecrispfiend · 02/04/2023 14:12

Registered hope a match is found soon x

cantkeepawayforever · 02/04/2023 14:15

Thanks for the info about scales. I’ll check our local Boots.

Phoenix9 · 02/04/2023 14:15

Registered.

I hope they find someone with the matching stem cells soon.