A desperate mum is on a mission to find a stem cell donor for her daughter who has been diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder. Nine-year-old Amilah Hussain was taken to her GP earlier this year, after bruises repeatedly appeared on her shins.
Subsequent blood tests revealed that Amilah had low platelet counts, giving rise to an aplastic anaemia diagnosis. This condition takes place when the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells for the body to function normally, making it more difficult to fight infections, stop bleeding and transport oxygen.
While doctors told Amilah’s mother, Mobeen Hussain, 42, that a stem cell transplant was the only hope for a cure, there is currently no match on the stem cell register. “When we were told Amilah’s diagnosis, they told us the only cure was a stem cell transplant,” Mrs Hussain said.
“It needed to be treated soon and would be better when Amilah is well because she’d make a really good recovery.” Mrs Hussain is now collaborating with Anthony Nolan on the Amilah Means Hope campaign to encourage people between the ages of 16 and 30, particularly those from minority ethnic backgrounds, to sign up to the stem cell register.
YOU CAN SIGN UP TO THE REGISTER HERE.
As Amilah has Pakistani heritage, she is more likely to have a unique tissue type and less likely to find a donor on UK registers compared to those from white, northern European backgrounds. Mrs Hussain continued: “When we looked into it, it seemed there’s a lack of donors suitable for patients from ethnic minority communities.
“The general awareness is just not there. Knowing it will be difficult for Amilah to find a donor makes me want to do something.”
For Amilah, a transplant would hopefully introduce healthy stem cells into the bloodstream, allowing her body to grow and produce new blood cells. “Until this happened, I didn’t realise that this (stem cell donation) is something people can do.
“It’s why I’m doing this,” Mrs Hussain added. “Stem cell donation is giving a gift of life – it’s such a precious gift to give anyone.”
Each year, just 100 to 150 people are diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in the UK, according to Anthony Nolan. It is most common in people aged between 10 and 20, in addition to over-60s.
Yasmin Sheikh, head of policy and public affairs at Anthony Nolan, said: “Finding a donor for Amilah would mean giving her a second chance at life. We need more people aged 16-30 in good general health to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register.
“Amilah’s donor will most likely share her background, which is why we’re particularly calling on people with Pakistani heritage to join the register and give someone like Amilah hope for the future.”
Mrs Hussain explained that Amilah means ‘hope’ in Arabic, which she has embraced for the campaign name. “Hope not just for herself but for all those who need a hero right now and for all those who will need one in the future,” she added.
“Most heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Signing up to the Anthony Nolan register is a chance to change a life and gift someone hope for the future. She means a lot to a lot of people.”
How do I join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register?
The Anthony Nolan trust says that every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer. A stem cell transplant from a stranger can be their only hope.
They put it simply. “Join the stem cell register and you could help save a life.”
- To apply to join the stem cell register, you need to fill the trust’s online form to request a swab pack. This will be posted to you for you to complete and post back.
- Joining the register is easy and it is free.
- You need to be between 16 and 30 to join the stem cell register.
- You will stay on the register until you turn 61.
- Most people on the register will never come up as a match. But those who do could be lifesavers.
- The organisation says: “There are two ways you could be asked to donate, and you need to be comfortable with both as doctors decide which is best: 90% of people donate in a process called peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection, which uses a special machine to filter out stem cells from your bloodstream. You’ll receive a course of injections for a few days first, then go into hospital for the collection, which usually takes around 4-5 hours. 10% of people donate through their bone marrow. The cells are collected from your hip bone. You’re placed under a general anaesthetic throughout. This means you will be unconscious and won’t feel any pain. You’ll stay in hospital for two nights.”
Join up to the register by going to the Anthony Nolan website.