Eden’s Stemcellent Sidekicks
Help Find Eden’s Lifesaving Match
Just before his third birthday, what seemed like a simple sore throat turned into something no family ever expects — a diagnosis of Stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
After months of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, Eden’s family were finally able to spend a few precious months back home in Wagga Wagga. Unfortunately, in September 2025, they learned Eden’s cancer had returned and that he had also developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a secondary cancer caused by his earlier treatment.
Now, Eden not only needs ongoing treatment for his rhabdomyosarcoma, but he will eventually require a stem cell transplant to cure the MDS. His family has moved their lives to Sydney to stay by his side as they wait, hoping a matching donor is found.
You Could Be the Match Eden Needs
Eden’s medical team has begun the search for his perfect stem cell donor, but finding a match isn’t easy. Matches are rare, and the best chance comes when more people join the registry.
Somewhere out there, a stranger may hold the key to his cure. By joining the Australian Stem Cell Donor Registry, you could be the one to give Eden, and others like him, the chance to grow up healthy and free from cancer.
Eden’s family has a simple message for anyone thinking about becoming a donor:
“Please don’t overthink it, just do it. You might never meet the person you save, but your decision could give a family like ours the most precious gift there is: more time. Becoming a donor is simple, but it has the power to change the course of someone’s life forever.”
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 18-35.
- 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 Eden’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.