Simon’s shave for stem cells!
“In February 2024, our youngest son was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at the age of 9 months.”
“It’s impossible to put into words what it was like getting that diagnosis.
We were so naive that even when the doctors sat with us in our son’s hospital room to give us the diagnosis, we had no thought in our minds that our son had cancer. When I heard those words, and before any further explanation from doctors, my immediate thought was that my son is dying.
We were advised that he would require a number of rounds of chemo and would possibly also require a transplant. We were later told that without a transplant, his Leukaemia would continue to come back, irrespective of how many rounds of chemo he had.
“Our eldest son, five years old at the time, had a 25% chance of being a match for his little brother. A few weeks into our younger son’s treatment, we were told that he was. During the period leading up to the transplant, our eldest was incredibly anxious about what the procedure would entail. He was supported so well during this process, and when it came to donation day, he could not have been more excited and proud of himself.
Our son received his transplant in June 2024 and by August, was ringing the ‘Celebration Bell’ to signify the end of his treatment and his return home. We spent the next few months at home, enjoying our time together as a family, whilst also juggling the regular hospital check-ups and routine tests.
Following a routine test in December, we were told that Leukaemia cells had re-emerged in his bone marrow. This floored us completely.
“The initial diagnosis had been the hardest thing for me to talk about, and still is, but after everything his little body had gone through to that point, it felt like we were back to square one. My son would require further rounds of chemo and a second transplant.
We had spoken to families who had waited years for a match from the registry. Luckily for us, a suitable match was identified very quickly, and he received his second transplant in May 2025.
All of those nights spent not being together as a family was the hardest part for me. Months at a time of our kids not being able to spend any time together. There is no way of accurately describing how hard this treatment has been for both our son and our family. We often speak to other families going through treatment, and the common message is that no one can understand what it is like unless you are going through it.
“Often while talking to other families who are going through treatment, the conversation leads to how we can all help others in the future. Whether it’s through donating items to the hospital, or raising funds for charities. I think it goes to show how special the community of families is that are going through cancer diagnosis and treatment. Despite the significant toll it takes, they are still thinking about how cancer impacts other families, not just their own.
We’ve been so lucky to have two matches available for our son. I wanted to use our story to help give others the same opportunity we’ve had.
I’ve decided as extra motivation to shave my head and donate my hair once I reach my target of 100 people signing up to become stem cell donors.
“On the long list of ways you can save a life, being on the registry would have to be up there as one of the easiest.
I can only imagine the amazing feeling that someone could get from receiving the news that they could save a life by doing something as simple as donating stem cells.”
– Simon
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 Simon'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.