“It was such a privilege”: Why this committed stem cell donor didn’t hesitate to say yes
“I lost my poppy in late 2018 to pancreatic cancer,” says Annastasia. “If there was something someone out there could have done to try and save him, I would have been forever grateful. Unfortunately that wasn’t the ending to his story like I’d hoped.”
Her decision to join the registry was shaped by that loss, and by the inspiring example of her Aunty Michelle, a lifelong blood donor who has made over 100 donations. “She and my poppy are my greatest inspirations when it comes to helping others,” Annastasia says. “The guidance, support, hand-holding and unconditional love I received helped me take on this opportunity of a lifetime.”
Annastasia first learned about stem cell donation while donating plasma at Lifeblood with her aunt. “I was approached to join the registry, and it was an immediate no-brainer for me.”
When she got the call telling her she was a potential match, she was excited, and a little surprised. “I’d only been on the register a few short months. To be approached that quickly and picked to embark on this journey was such an honour.”
“This donation for me was about being a part of something bigger than myself. Being able to give to give back to the world in a way that makes a very real and special impact on the lives of others.”
The lead-up to donation went smoothly, even while working full time. “The team at Stem Cell Donors Australia were so supportive every step of the way,” she says. “It was such a smooth process.”
Annastasia donated peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), a process that involves receiving a few days of G-CSF injections before the donation to boost stem cell production. “At first, the idea of injecting myself was intimidating,” she admits. “But looking at the bigger picture it was such a minor thing for me to do compared to what the recipient experiences each and every day. By the second injection, I was used to it and it was completely painless.”
When donation day arrived, she could hardly sleep the night before. “I was just so excited to be doing something so incredibly amazing,” she says.
During the donation, Annastasia says she “felt calm, relaxed and proud to be part of something bigger than myself.” As she took in her surroundings that day, the significance of what she was doing really hit home.
“The donation area was located within the cancer ward. Walking through, knowing I was completely healthy, felt like such a privilege, but also an honour, that I could use my body to help someone else.”
Apart from feeling tired afterwards, she bounced back quickly. “The next day I felt like normal. It was just so cool and interesting. I can’t wait to hopefully be chosen again someday!”
For Annastasia, the experience was about more than just the donation itself. “During the preparation, I came to understand a little bit of how taxing blood cancer treatment can be, not just on the body, but on mental health, and on family and friends. To know I could help ease some of that, even just a little, is such an honour.”
Her message for anyone thinking about joining the registry? “Stop thinking about it and just sign up! This is a journey of a lifetime you’ll never forget.”
Whether you’re thinking about joining the registry or you’re already on it, Annastasia’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to follow through. Signing up is the first step, but it’s your willingness to say yes that could give someone their second chance at life.