Rosie
Help Rosie Find Her Life-Saving Match
11-year-old Rosie from Melbourne is waiting for a stem cell donor who could give her a second chance at life.
Rosie was diagnosed this year with severe aplastic anaemia — a rare and life-threatening condition where her bone marrow stops producing blood cells. She’s spent the past eight months in and out of hospital for weekly blood and platelet transfusions, but what she really needs is a matching stem cell donor.
Matches are most often found between people who share similar ancestry — and with Rosie’s Iraqi heritage, her family is hoping more people of Middle Eastern descent will consider registering.
Meet Rosie
Rosie is an 11-year-old from Melbourne who loves school and spending time with her family. Earlier this year, a routine blood test revealed her platelets were dangerously low. The diagnosis of severe aplastic anaemia came as a complete shock.
Since then, Rosie and her mum have faced endless hospital visits, transfusions, and long days waiting for news. “It’s been tough,” says her mum. “We’re still searching for a match. That’s why we’re asking kind people to join the registry.”
If you’re 18 – 35, join the stem cell donor registry. You could be the lifesaving match for Rosie, or someone like her.
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 Rosie’s appeal
If you’re in Australia, register below and we’ll send a swab kit to you in the mail.
Mail kitOutside 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.