When Abbey O’Callaghan found out she was a potential match for her mum, there was no hesitation.
Her mum, Maggie, affectionately known to many as Crazy Aunty Maggie, had already had a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor the year before. But when her blood cancer returned, doctors suggested a different approach. This time, her best chance came from Abbey.
What they went through is called a haploidentical stem cell transplant, often just called a haplo. It uses a donor who’s only a half match. While these transplants were once considered a last resort, they’re now saving lives where no full match can be found.
At first, Abbey didn’t know much about stem cell donation and admits it felt a bit overwhelming. But the team at St Vincent’s explained every step. Once she understood what it involved, she felt calm and supported going in.
“It was obviously a no brainer. If there was even the slightest chance it could help Mum beat this beast of a disease, I was in.”
After that, she donated her stem cells. The very next day, Maggie received her second transplant and began round the clock care at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital.
Maggie received Abbey’s stem cells the very next day
Busting the myths about stem cell donation
Before this, Abbey knew almost nothing about donating stem cells. Much of what she thought she knew turned out to be wrong.
“That donating stem cells means getting your bones drilled into, like some horror scene from Grey’s Anatomy. Spoiler alert, it’s nothing like that.”
Abbey wants more people to understand what actually happens when you become a stem cell donor. A few key things surprised her:
- Matching has nothing to do with blood type. It’s based on tissue type, which is genetic
- Donating blood or plasma does not put you on the stem cell donor registry. You have to sign up separately
- The donation process is far easier than most people think
She says the scariest parts were just the unknowns. Once those were explained, it all felt pretty straightforward.
What it’s really like to donate stem cells
Abbey describes the process in simple, honest terms.
It involved a few injections of a medication that helps release extra stem cells into your bloodstream, which didn’t hurt and only caused some mild bone aches for a day or two. Abbey spent a few hours in a comfy chair connected to a machine that filtered out the stem cells, then returned the rest of her blood. She was well looked after by the team, given snacks, and watched some daytime TV.
A few hours, some snacks and watch some TV. That’s what donating stem cells really looks like
She took one day off to donate, another to recover, and was straight back to work. No surgery or long recovery. Drama free.
Donating to her mum and what that meant
Abbey and her mum have always been close. As a single mum raising an only child, Maggie did it all. Even at 66, Abbey says she still gives her a run for her money socially.
“She’s hands down my favourite person on the planet.”
The transplant process hasn’t been easy for either of them. Even so, Abbey says the silver lining has been how much time they’ve spent together through it all.
Maggie’s recovery and Abbey’s immune system
We’re incredibly happy to say that Maggie’s doing well. Her doctors are pleased, she’s back home, and she’s slowly getting back to life with Abbey by her side.
One of the wildest things about this kind of stem cell transplant is what happens after. Maggie now has Abbey’s blood type. She’s also got Abbey’s immune system. Every white blood cell in her body is now powered by her daughter.
And honestly, if you had to pick someone else’s immune system, Abbey’s would be the one. She’s a total powerhouse. As far as gifts go, this one’s hard to top.
Maggie’s on the up after receiving Abbey’s stem cells
Why we need more stem cell donors in Australia
Abbey says, “We’ve been incredibly ‘lucky’ and I use that word loosely because Mum’s had not one, but two matches. An anonymous donor and me. But not everyone gets that chance.”
Some people with blood cancer might only have one match in the world. Others have none.
That’s why TLR is working to raise awareness and recruit more young people to the stem cell donor registry. The bigger the donor pool, the more lives we can save.
Every person who signs up makes the registry stronger. One day, your cheek swab could be the reason someone survives leukaemia or another serious illness.
“Imagine being that person’s perfect match. Imagine saving someone’s life. You’d have to get some bloody good karma from that.”
Abbey’s message to you
“Do it. One hundred percent. I had no idea the stem cell register even existed, and I definitely would have thought donation involved some scary, painful process. In reality, it’s a few injections and a few hours in a chair.”
“I’m now on the registry and would absolutely do it again. Especially to pay it forward for the anonymous donor who helped Mum the first time around.”
You don’t need to be a hero to save a life. You just need to be willing to say yes when it matters.
Want to help someone like Abbey’s mum?
Signing up takes less than five minutes. If you’re eligible, a cheek swab kit will be sent straight to your door.
To join the registry, you just need to be:
- Aged 18 to 35
- Hold or be eligible for a green or blue Medicare card
- In decent health
- Willing to donate to anyone who needs you, anywhere in the world
Joining the stem cell registry is totally separate from donating blood or plasma. But we reckon you should do that too. It all helps save lives.
Many people don’t have a family match. That’s why strangers matter.
You could be the reason someone survives.
H2 References and further reading
TLR – Become a Stem Cell Donor
TLR – Stem Cell Donor FAQs
Sign up through Stem Cell Donors Australia
Stem Cell Donors Australia – FAQs