Sydney University O-Week: Inspiring the next generation of stem cell donors
Last week, we spent a few days at Sydney University’s Welcome Fest, talking to students about stem cell donation and giving them the chance to sign up as donors. It was a great opportunity to meet people who were interested in learning more about stem cell donation and how they could get involved.
Last week, we spent Thursday and Friday at Sydney University’s Welcome Fest, talking to students about stem cell donation and giving them the chance to sign up as donors. O-Week is always an exciting time on university campuses, as students get the chance to explore new opportunities, join societies, and connect with causes that matter to them. We were excited to be part of this energy, speaking to students about something that can truly make a difference: stem cell donation.
During the event, we spoke with students from all walks of life, many of whom were curious about stem cell donation and the simple, life-saving act of registering as a donor. One conversation stood out to us:
“I’m driven to help save lives wherever possible and am both a registered stem cell donor and a regular plasma donor. I’m also a major advocate for donating blood products as well as stem cells and want others to help give life through these simple selfless actions.”
This type of enthusiasm is exactly what we need in the donor registry—young people who understand the importance of helping others and who are willing to take action. It’s vital that we continue to recruit young donors, as they provide the best opportunity of success for the transplant.
We also took the opportunity to talk about our new University Ambassador Program, launching in 2025. We’re looking for students who are passionate about making a difference and want to help lead donor recruitment efforts on campus. The program offers a unique chance to get involved with a life-saving mission, develop valuable leadership skills, and help spread the word about stem cell donation to fellow students. Ambassadors will work together to plan and run campus events that engage their peers and grow the donor registry.
Young people play a critical role in this mission—it’s not just about signing up as donors, but about sharing the message with others and building a strong, supportive community around the cause. As part of the University Ambassador Program, students will be at the forefront of this movement, helping to make sure that anyone in need of a stem cell match has the best possible chance.
If you’re a student and want to learn more about becoming a University Ambassador, or if you simply want to get involved, check out our University Ambassador Program, for more details and to express your interest.
Thanks to everyone who visited us during O-Week. We’re excited to keep growing the donor registry with your help and look forward to seeing many more students join the movement in 2025.
