Susan and Billy's story

In April 2020 my brother Billy was diagnosed with AML, after 2 rounds of chemo they told him he needed a bone marrow transplant. Being one of 3 siblings my oldest brother and I were both tested. My oldest brother wasn’t a match but I was a 50% match. My nephew Lewis (Billy’s son) was also a half match but after fainting while routine blood tests the team decided to use me. It wasn’t something I had ever thought about doing, where as my nephew was already on the register.

Four days prior to donation I received daily injections from my GP’s nurse to boost my cell count. Then on Monday 14th November I went into the Beatson Centre in Glasgow to donate. It was such an emotional day, I felt so privileged to be able to help my brother who I’m extremely close to. The staff totally put me at ease and were amazing. They didn’t collect enough cells the first day so I went back the next day and donated more. Later that day my cells were given to my brother who was being treated at another hospital in the same city. It was a day I will always remember, I had felt so helpless all the months my brother was going through his treatment and with strict covid rules meant visitors were minimal.

2 months post transplant my brother is doing well and getting stronger each day. My husband and I and other family members and friends have since signed up. I would be a donor in a heartbeat to anyone. I would encourage anyone reading this to sign up, you never know when your life will change and you or someone close to you need stem cells to save a life.