You don't need to be a superhero with superpowers to save a life
As a Healthcare Assistant in the Paediatric Oncology Unit of a local hospital in Poland, I first got involved with DKMS, an international charity dedicated to fighting blood cancers and blood disorders.
My work with children undergoing blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other treatments made me wonder how else I could help children and adults with blood cancer. I, therefore, decided to register as a potential blood stem cell donor.
A few years passed when I received a call that said I might be a good match for a patient - a man in his 60s from the United States. I was surprised and a little scared at first, but after doctors' instructions and medical tests, it was confirmed that we were a good match.
As donation day finally arrived, I travelled to London for the procedure. Despite my knowledge of the process (from working as a student ambassador in Poland registering potential donors), I was extremely nervous about going under anaesthesia. However, the thought that somewhere in the world was a sick person who needed me, left me with no doubt about helping. I felt honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity.
Using the traditional method, I donated bone marrow through needles inserted into my pelvic bone under general anaesthesia. The DKMS staff and medical team made me feel at ease every step of the way. It was expected that I would be sore and weak for several weeks, but I was well cared for while in hospital and recovering at home.
During an anonymity period of two years, contact between a donor and recipient can only take place anonymously via e-mail or letter, so direct communication was not possible.
Finally in November 2021, I had the opportunity to learn more about the recipient, Robert, whose cancer has been in remission for over two years. We have kept in touch regularly, sharing stories about our lives and interests. I am so glad Robert is doing better and I hope to meet him one day in person.
Knowing you can give someone a second chance at life is something that cannot be described in words.
You don't need to be a superhero with superpowers to save a life.
I urge anyone interested to register for the program. It's a simple process, and you don't have to go down the bone marrow donation route like I did. In about 90% of cases, stem cells are collected peripherally - this is done as an outpatient procedure and does not require surgery.
Anyone can get blood cancer. You never know, you or your family members might need similar help in the future. Lifesaving costs you nothing but could mean everything to someone. Therefore, I would encourage anyone considering it to do so. I would do it again without hesitation and hope my story inspires others.
My work with children undergoing blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other treatments made me wonder how else I could help children and adults with blood cancer. I, therefore, decided to register as a potential blood stem cell donor.
A few years passed when I received a call that said I might be a good match for a patient - a man in his 60s from the United States. I was surprised and a little scared at first, but after doctors' instructions and medical tests, it was confirmed that we were a good match.
As donation day finally arrived, I travelled to London for the procedure. Despite my knowledge of the process (from working as a student ambassador in Poland registering potential donors), I was extremely nervous about going under anaesthesia. However, the thought that somewhere in the world was a sick person who needed me, left me with no doubt about helping. I felt honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity.
Using the traditional method, I donated bone marrow through needles inserted into my pelvic bone under general anaesthesia. The DKMS staff and medical team made me feel at ease every step of the way. It was expected that I would be sore and weak for several weeks, but I was well cared for while in hospital and recovering at home.
During an anonymity period of two years, contact between a donor and recipient can only take place anonymously via e-mail or letter, so direct communication was not possible.
Finally in November 2021, I had the opportunity to learn more about the recipient, Robert, whose cancer has been in remission for over two years. We have kept in touch regularly, sharing stories about our lives and interests. I am so glad Robert is doing better and I hope to meet him one day in person.
Knowing you can give someone a second chance at life is something that cannot be described in words.
You don't need to be a superhero with superpowers to save a life.
I urge anyone interested to register for the program. It's a simple process, and you don't have to go down the bone marrow donation route like I did. In about 90% of cases, stem cells are collected peripherally - this is done as an outpatient procedure and does not require surgery.
Anyone can get blood cancer. You never know, you or your family members might need similar help in the future. Lifesaving costs you nothing but could mean everything to someone. Therefore, I would encourage anyone considering it to do so. I would do it again without hesitation and hope my story inspires others.
| How can you help? If you are aged between 17 and 55 and in general good health, then you could be able to register as a blood stem cell donor. You can do it via the following link: www.dkms.org.uk/register-now. There are a few questions to answer and then you will receive a simple swab kit to complete and return. You will then be added to the registry and become a lifesaver-in-waiting. For more information, please visit www.dkms.org.uk |
