Rowan
Rowan was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at just 18.
He now needs your help to find the donor that could save his life.
Throughout life, Rowan’s been a passionate and involved member in every community he’s been a part of. During his days at the Brisbane Grammar School, he was a committed student, an accomplished sportsman, and strong leader. In 2024, spurred on by his passion for sport, he started a Physiotherapy degree and became involved with his Uni Rugby team. Throughout his first year of university, he enjoyed his newfound freedom as a young adult and explored his many hobbies, including multiple sports and his love for cooking.
Rowan’s vibrant social life has always been punctuated by a large group of friends and family. Since his diagnosis, they’ve stood by him in support – when faced with hair loss from his treatment, 17 of Rowan’s friends shaved their heads too. Now, his community have come together more than ever to help find Rowan the donor that could save his life.
After his blood cancer diagnosis in late 2024, Rowan faced 6 months of chemotherapy treatment to address the disease. After tests showed that the treatment hadn’t worked as expected, a stem cell transplant from a matched donor is Rowan’s only chance of survival.
Finding the most suitable genetic match relies closely on ethnicity. With parents of Chinese, and Scottish and English heritage, Rowan’s best chances of a match will lie with someone from a similar Eurasian background. If this is you, or if you know someone with a similar ethnic heritage, your decision to register as a stem cell donor could make all the difference.
Rowan’s chances of curing his disease rely on finding a compatible stem cell donor. The more diverse the donor pool, the better chances of finding a match for him and almost 1200 other Australian patients in a similar situation.
If you’re 18 – 35, join the stem cell donor registry. You could be the lifesaving match for Rowan, or someone like him.
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.
Join Rowan's appeal
Outside 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.