Signing up as a stem cell donor might be the easiest way you ever save someone’s life. No big deal. Just life saving stuff.
Every year, thousands of Aussies get diagnosed with blood cancer like chronic myeloid leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. For some people, a stem cell transplant isn’t just treatment. It’s their only hope. If you’re aged 18 to 35, you might be the one match they’ve been waiting for. So, here’s what you need to know.
Who can be a stem cell donor
If you’re between 18 and 35, in good health, and you’ve got a green or blue Medicare card, you’re probably good to go. The only other thing you need is commitment. If you match someone, you might be asked to donate. Saying yes could save their life.
It’s easy to join. First, you sign up online. Then, a cheek swab kit arrives at your door. Registering takes about three minutes. After that, swab your cheeks, send the kit back, and you’re sorted. They’ll add you to the registry once your swabs are tested, usually in six weeks or s
Why age matters
Younger donors give people the best chance at recovery. That’s just how stem cells work. It’s not personal, it’s science. Because of that, the registry focuses on people aged 18 to 35. If you’re older, you can’t join, but there are still plenty of other ways you can help.
How to register
Head to Stem Cell Donors Australia. After filling out the form, you’ll get your cheek swab kit in the mail. The kit includes three swabs and easy instructions. Once you return it in the reply paid envelope, you’re on standby. If you match someone, the team will contact you.
What happens if you’re a match
here are two ways to donate stem cells.
The most common one is a bit like a long plasma donation. You’ll get a few injections over four days to boost your stem cell count. Day five is donation day. Your blood flows out through one arm, a machine filters out the stem cells, and the rest of your blood goes back through your other arm. The whole thing usually takes four or five hours. You stay awake the whole time, so bring a book, scroll your phone, or just chill.
The second method is called a bone marrow donation. It takes about 45 minutes under general anaesthetic. You won’t feel a thing during the procedure. Doctors collect cells from your hip bone. Afterward, you might feel a bit sore for a few days, like after a knock at training. Some patients need this method.
Please know, while the doctors may have a preference, the donor always has the final choice.
Why we need more diverse donors
This part really matters. Matching is based on genetics, not blood type. So, you’ll usually match with someone who shares your ethnic background or mix of backgrounds. But right now, the registry doesn’t reflect Australia’s population. Because of that, some people with blood cancer still can’t find a match.
If you’re from a culturally diverse background, your stem cells might be the only ones that can help. You could give someone the second chance they’ve been waiting for.
Can’t join the registry? Here’s how you can still help
Not everyone can donate, and that’s completely fine. You can still make a real impact. Talk about it. Share the info. Post it. Tag your mates. Come to a donor drive or help organise one.
You can also help fundraise. It costs money to recruit new donors and send out swab kits. If you want to chip in, donating to TLR helps cover those costs and gets more people on the registry.
You can donate here.
Be a legend, save a life
Stem cell donors are legends. If you’re aged 18 to 35, signing up’s one of the most powerful things you can do. People all over the world are hoping for a match. That could be you. You might be the only person who can help them.
Join the registry today and help save a life!
References
The TLR Foundation – Become a stem cell donor