A stem cell transplant, once called a bone marrow transplant, can save someone’s life. It treats blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, along with blood disorders like MDS and rare immune system conditions. For some people, it is their only option.
In some cases, that transplant relies on finding a matching donor. That donor could be you.
What is a stem cell transplant?
Doctors use stem cell transplants to help people make healthy blood again. They take healthy stem cells from a donor and give them to someone whose own cells are not working. These new cells restart the immune system and help the body recover.
Some people can use their own stem cells. That is called an autologous transplant. Others need a donor. And that donor might be you.
The registry needs more people, especially younger and more diverse donors. You could be the one person in the world who matches someone waiting for a transplant.
Who actually needs a transplant?
Stem cell transplants help people with serious conditions. Here are just a few examples.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a type of blood and cancer. Fast growing forms like acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) often require a transplant. This treatment removes damaged cells and replaces them with healthy ones.
Lymphoma
People with aggressive types of Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma may need a transplant if chemotherapy doesn’t work. A transplant helps reset the immune system so the body can recover.
Aplastic anaemia and other blood disorders
Aplastic anaemia stops the bone marrow from making enough blood cells. This can cause life threatening problems. A transplant can restart healthy blood production. It also helps people with severe sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Myelodysplasia, also known as MDS, causes low numbers of healthy blood cells. It can sometimes develop into leukaemia. A stem cell transplant helps fix this by giving the body new, healthy cells.
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. It weakens bones, damages kidneys and makes people more likely to get sick. Chemotherapy can help, but many people also need a transplant to stay in remission.
Genetic and immune system diseases
Some people are born with immune systems that do not work. SCID, also called bubble boy syndrome, is one of these. Stem cell transplants are often the only way to help these people build a working immune system.
Why age and ethnicity matter
Matching a donor to a patient is about more than just blood type. It depends on tissue type, which is linked to your genetics. Patients are more likely to find a match with someone who shares their background.
More than 80 percent of stem cell transplants in Australia rely on finding a donor on an overseas registry. That’s because our local registry doesn’t have enough young and diverse donors.
If you’re aged 18 to 35, you’re exactly who is needed. Younger donors give better outcomes, and signing up is one of the easiest ways to help save a life.
How to sign up
It’s free and so simple to join. And it could save someone’s life. Here’s how it works:
1. Go online
Visit Stem Cell Donors Australia and fill out the online form. If you’re eligible, they’ll send you a cheek swab kit in the mail.
2. Swab your cheeks
Swab the inside of each cheek. It takes less than a minute. Send the kit back using the prepaid envelope provided.
3. Stay on the registry
You’ll stay on the registry until you turn 60, although the chances of you getting a call reduce as you get older. If you’re a match, you’ll be contacted. For most people, donating stem cells is like a long plasma donation. It’s safe and you’ll be supported the whole way.
4. Tell your friends
Share the link. Post on socials when you swab your cheeks. Start a conversation. Every new sign up improves the chances for someone waiting.
Be a legend, save a life
For people with blood cancer and some other conditions, a stem cell transplant might be their only hope. But too many people miss out simply because there’s not enough people on the registry.
You can change that. If you’re aged 18 to 35, sign up now. It only takes a few minutes and you might be the reason someone else gets to live.