Primary Myelofibrosis Diagnosis and Stem Cell Donor Registry
In October 2024, the best man (guy on the right in the photo above) from my wedding in 1982 was diagnosed with Primary Myelofibrosis, a form of blood cancer.
The Leukaemia Foundation describes it as a disorder in which normal bone marrow tissue is gradually replaced with a fibrous scar-like material. Over time, this leads to progressive bone marrow failure.
When Rod shared this information with his family and friends recently, I decided to put my hand up to help.
Rod is a very fit, capable and otherwise healthy individual, despite the fact that he barracks for Geelong and the two of us have had a running bet on every match with Hawthorn since we have known one another.
The good news is that Rod can be considered for a blood stem cell transplant from a genetically matched donor and this can cure the disease.
He is currently going through medical testing with his immediate family before the medical professionals reach out to people registered on the Stem Cell Donor Registry.
Most of us know about the importance of being an Organ Donor.
But are you aware of the Stem Cell Donor Registry?
Did you know that all that it takes to be on the registry is a cheek swab?
If you know someone who is aged between 18-35 and would like to be considered as a potential life saver, would you be able to share this information with them?
Rod has a ‘campaign page’ to increase awareness and provide more information at https://stemcelldonors.org.au/rod
This link includes the details on how to request a swab kit and join the registry (you only need to donate if you are a suitable match).
You can also join the registry next time you donate blood if you are a blood donor.
Thank you for reading and I sincerely hope that you can share this message with people you know.
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