For some kinds of cancer, including aggressive blood cancers, a stem cell transplant are the best chance of a cure. For this to work, you have to find a donor who is a biological match. This might be a sibling, but only 25% of siblings are a full match. In Ruby's case, her sister wasn't a match. But she was lucky to find that there were three perfect matches on the stem cell register. Sadly, her stem cell transplant only bought her a couple of months (her cancer was just too aggressive), but in about 60% of cases the patient will survive 5 years or more.
If you're aged 16-30 and in good health, please consider joining the Anthony Nolan UK stem cell register. You might save someone's life. Younger donors provide better outcomes for patients, hence the age limit.
It's really easy to join. You just fill in the application form and Anthony Nolan will send you a swab pack in the post for you to complete and send back so they can add you to the register.
You’ll stay on the register until you’re 61. If you ever come up as a match for a patient, Anthony Nolan will be in touch straightaway. Anthony Nolan will organise the whole thing. They will support you at every stage of your donation and arrange everything, from travel to (if necessary) accommodation.
To find out more or register please click HERE.
