Anna
Anna’s Story: A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
After returning from a holiday in India, Anna thought she was simply run down. A routine dental visit and a lingering fever didn’t seem unusual at first — but within weeks, worsening fatigue led to blood tests that uncovered something far more serious. On 20 January 2025, Anna was told she had blood cancer.
She was admitted to Blacktown Hospital, where tests confirmed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and treatment began immediately.
After induction and three rounds of consolidation chemotherapy, Anna reached remission in July 2025. But her journey isn’t over — a stem cell transplant is now the next critical step to keep her cancer from returning.
Like many Australians, she had never heard much about stem cell transplants or how donors are found, until it became part of her own story.
Why Anna needs you
For many patients, finding a suitable stem cell donor is urgent, and often challenging. Transplant teams typically look for younger donors aged 18–35, as they can lead to better outcomes and improved recovery.
For patients without a suitable match in their family, the stem cell donor registry becomes their only chance at a lifesaving transplant. Increasing the number of younger donors is critical to improving those chances.
Anna’s background — with Pakistani and Goan ancestry — also highlights the importance of diversity. Patients are more likely to find a match from someone with a similar genetic heritage, yet many communities remain underrepresented on the registry.
Now preparing for her transplant, Anna hopes her story encourages others to act. “We need to reach younger people and raise awareness of what’s involved,” she says.
Joining the registry is simple, but it can save a life.
Community Support: Pink Sari Inc.
Throughout her treatment, Anna has been supported by organisations like Pink Sari Inc., whose work plays a vital role in helping families navigate cancer.
Pink Sari Inc. is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer within South Asian communities across Australia. Through education, information, advocacy and direct support, they help individuals and families better understand cancer and access the care they need.
What do I need to know before I sign up?
Stem cell donation is a safe and simple process that can potentially cure life-threatening diseases. Before you register, it’s important for you to have a good understanding of what it means to be a donor and ensuring you’re committed, should you be someone’s life-saving match.
Eligibility check:
- You’re aged 17-35.
- Generally healthy (we’ll cover this in more detail in the next steps).
Signing up means:
- You’re committing to donate to anyone, globally needing a match.
- You’re committed to being available if called upon.
- We’ll stay in contact, keeping you informed and ready for the call.
Donation likelihood:
- Matches are rare; they are based on genetic compatibility.
- BUT while not everyone will donate, your registration increases chances for those in need.
If you’re a match:
- We’ll call you to let you know!
- Donation involves a simple procedure with minimal discomfort.
- We support you throughout, ensuring top medical care and thorough information.
How are you registering today?
Select one of the options below:
Join Anna’s appeal
If you’re in Australia, register below and we’ll send a swab kit to you in the mail.
JOIN THE REGISTRYOutside Australia?
Important Information
We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who wants to make a difference by joining our registry. When it comes to donating stem cells, younger donors are preferred because they lead to better outcomes for patients. This focus on young donors helps us ensure that the patients’ transplants have the best chance of success.
While we do keep donors on the registry until their 60th birthday in case they become the perfect match for someone in need, we have to be mindful of our limited resources. Our priority is to engage those who can provide the greatest potential for successful transplants, which is why we encourage those aged between 18 and 35 years old to register.
If you’re outside this age range, please know that your passion and willingness to help are valued, and we appreciate your support in spreading the word about the importance of donating stem cells. See our How to help section for ways you can help our mission.
We understand that you may want to help a loved one who is unwell, and it’s natural to want to make a difference in their situation. However, when you register as a donor, you’re committing to help anyone in need of a stem cell transplant.
Unless you share the same parents, the chances of being a match for your loved one are very slim. Instead, by joining the registry, you have the opportunity to assist someone else who may be facing a similar situation to what your loved one is experiencing.
Your decision to register means you could potentially save the life of someone you’ve never met—someone who, like your loved one, is in need of support. While it might not be for your friend or relative, your willingness to help can make a significant difference in the lives of others in need.
If you match a patient, you will be contacted to confirm that you are healthy and still willing and available to donate. A blood sample will be taken to confirm the match.
Before donating, an independent specialist will assess you medically, explain the process thoroughly and answer any questions that you may have. Your health and well-being before and after donation are equally important.
Find out more about the donation process.