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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:
DeathWinsAGolfish · 02/04/2023 14:17

Like other I registered a few years back after a post by another Mnetter, hope your niece receives good news soon.

Aylestone · 02/04/2023 14:20

Is she white European op? I’ve just googled the statistics out of interest. Theres a 96% chance of a match with someone if you’re white European. Only around 60% for some other ethnicities. I looked up other statistics out of interest because I registered years ago but never been called. Apparently only 1 in 900 registered women are needed, and 1 in 200 men, far more women register than men. There needs to be a push for more men to register really.

gemloving · 02/04/2023 14:23

I'm already a donor although not sure what would happen now that I'm pregnant. I'll be praying for her. Horrific news.

Ionlydrinkondaysendinginy · 02/04/2023 14:31

Sorry im not eligible but il share the link to friends. I wish you all, all the luck in the world ❤️

ImSweetEnoughDarlin · 02/04/2023 14:31

I tried to sign up to something like this once, was the Anthony Nolan Trust, maybe. They told me I was too fat so that's something to be aware of if signing up.

Shuggie1234 · 02/04/2023 14:34

Been a donor for many years never been matched. Hoping they find a match 🤞

Hibye23289 · 02/04/2023 14:42

Registered. Hope there is a miracle

CoinsinaJar · 02/04/2023 14:43

Sadly too old to donate, but I worked in haematology some years ago and have seen first hand the effects of this type of disease. Sending my best wishes for a donor to emerge very soon.

BingleBongleBoo · 02/04/2023 14:44

Does anyone know if I can register if I've had chemo? I know I can't give blood but not sure if this is the same.

Iloveautumncolours · 02/04/2023 14:45

I have just registered and hope they’ll accept me as I was very anaemic last year but did have an infusion. I really want to help though as I know someone who lost their 40 year old son to this horrible disease. I hope all goes well for the little girl op.

RudsyFarmer · 02/04/2023 14:45

Im already a donor but have never been called up either. I’m so sorry 😔

kittensinthekitchen · 02/04/2023 14:46

BingleBongleBoo · 02/04/2023 14:44

Does anyone know if I can register if I've had chemo? I know I can't give blood but not sure if this is the same.

If you click on the link on the OP it'll take you through a series of health questions to determine suitability

whatat · 02/04/2023 14:46

Just registered

misspositivepants · 02/04/2023 14:50

I’ve just registered too

alabamathunderpussy · 02/04/2023 14:51

Just registered x

Justmeandthedog1 · 02/04/2023 14:54

Sadly I’m over the age limit.
In about 1990/91 I did come up as a match on the Anthony Nolan register although the transplant didn’t go ahead. The SIL of a teenager I taught did become a donor in the early 90s so the more people who are registered, the better chances are. Well done to everyone who’s registered.
OP I hope your little goddaughter gets a match soon.

longtompot · 02/04/2023 14:56

I am already signed up but yet to be called up. I can't donate blood as have had a blood transfusion due to anaemia, so couldn't do it then either, so I hope to help someone this way. I hope someone is found to help your niece 💐

McSlowburn · 02/04/2023 14:57

I'm just over the age limit and my DD is too young, but I'm getting my DH and DS to register.

HarrietStyles · 02/04/2023 14:58

I’m already on the register and hope one day that I am matched to help someone……praying for a match for your god daughter 🙏🏼

Poppins2016 · 02/04/2023 15:01

I've just registered - similar to other posters, I wasn't aware that it was so easy to do this.

ConstanceOcean · 02/04/2023 15:01

I’ve just registered. I hope she finds a match soon.

Danikm151 · 02/04/2023 15:01

I’m already on the register, I haven’t had the call yet but absolutely willing if I was ever contacted. I’m mixed heritage too so I can potentially help more people.

iloveeverykindofcat · 02/04/2023 15:02

I signed up OP, never heard of this before. Best of luck to your family.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 02/04/2023 15:03

The health criteria rules me out, but I hope she finds a match soon

loislovesstewie · 02/04/2023 15:05

Sadly I am too old for this, I hope however that a lovely mumsnetter is found to be a match. Sending love. 💞