News

Shaping our donor work with young First Nations voices

Too many First Nations patients are missing out on life-saving stem cell matches. We’re sharing early insights from young First Nations people about what they need to…

Introducing A/Prof Andrea Henden: A new champion for donors and patients

We’re excited to welcome A/Prof Andrea Henden to our Board, bringing expertise in transplantation, cellular therapies, and improving patient outcomes.

How stem cell transplants help cure bone marrow failure syndromes

Is stem cell donation painful? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re considering joining the stem cell donor registry, you might wonder: is stem cell donation painful? It’s a natural question, and understanding the process can…

Looking Back at 2024

%%excerpt_only%% Join us to take a look back at what we achieved in 2024.

Why haven’t I been called to donate? How matching works

You’ve probably signed up for the registry, and now you’re thinking, “Why haven’t I heard from you yet?” It’s completely normal to wonder what’s going on…

Finding strength in vulnerability: Frank’s story

Frank, a 43-year-old filmmaker from Melbourne, is facing T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and may need a stem cell transplant to survive. Known for his bright laugh and…

A lifesaver in need of a lifesaving match

For over two decades, Daniela Vladislavic has been a pillar of her community as a registered nurse specializing in mental health care. Known for her compassion and…

ABMDR and Strength to Give are now Stem Cell Donors Australia

Stem Cell Donors Australia is the new name for ABMDR and Strength to Give, dedicated to connecting patients with life-saving stem cell donors across Australia.

Is blood stem cell donation safe?

As a member of the blood stem cell donor registry, you might have heard concerns about potential long-term side effects of donating stem cells. However, recent…

A miracle from Frankfurt: how Hanna saved my life

In 2018, James faced an uncertain future when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. Thanks to the selfless act of a bone marrow donor from Germany, his life was…

No bones about it: separating facts from marrow myths

Have you ever heard a bizarre myth about blood stem cell donation? Perhaps a well-meaning relative or an anxious friend shared a piece of advice that sounded more like…

“I just couldn’t think of a reason not to”: Charlotte on donating bone marrow

"I had to hit pause on my life to give someone a second chance at theirs." Charlotte reflects on her bone marrow donation and why she doesn't regret a thing.

Does it hurt to donate blood stem cells? Side effects, risks, and what to expect

From pre-donation meds to what recovery feels like, here's everything you didn't know you wanted to know about donation risks and side effects, plus why so many…

Three weeks after donating stem cells, Erin ran a half marathon

What do stem cell donation and a half marathon have in common? For Erin, they happened three weeks apart. And both changed her life.

Changing lives, one donation at a time: the history of blood stem cell transplants

This article is based on the work of Tiffany Garbutt, PhD, and her piece "Science milestone: The history of bone marrow transplantation". For a more detailed…

Is stem cell donation painful? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re considering joining the stem cell donor registry, you might wonder: is stem cell donation painful? It’s a natural question, and understanding the process can…

Why haven’t I been called to donate? How matching works

You’ve probably signed up for the registry, and now you’re thinking, “Why haven’t I heard from you yet?” It’s completely normal to wonder what’s going on…

Finding strength in vulnerability: Frank’s story

Frank, a 43-year-old filmmaker from Melbourne, is facing T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and may need a stem cell transplant to survive. Known for his bright laugh and…

A lifesaver in need of a lifesaving match

For over two decades, Daniela Vladislavic has been a pillar of her community as a registered nurse specializing in mental health care. Known for her compassion and…

From lockdowns to second chances

At 25, Hayley’s life changed when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. After a life-saving stem cell transplant from her brother, she nearly three years…

“Imagine if you could be someone’s secret hero”

Dayne’s world shifted with a rare lymphoma diagnosis, leading to life-saving chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Through challenges, relapse, and recovery, he’s…

Is blood stem cell donation safe?

As a member of the blood stem cell donor registry, you might have heard concerns about potential long-term side effects of donating stem cells. However, recent…

“I joined the registry to give back to someone in need.”

How Australia’s outdoor media industry stepped up to help Rowan

After learning about Rowan, an 18-year-old diagnosed with leukaemia who urgently needs a stem cell donor, the Australian outdoor media industry stepped up to help raise…

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

In honour of National Volunteer Week 2025, we take a look at the numerous ways that selfless volunteers help shape our organisation.

Breaking down the barriers to stem cell donation at Mardi Gras Fair Day

Sydney University O-Week: Inspiring the next generation of stem cell donors

We joined Sydney University's O-Week to recruit new donors and introduce our University Ambassador Program launching in 2025.

National Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome Awareness Week 2025

Playing for lives: Tackling Leukaemia scores for donor recruitment

Tackling Leukaemia’s Navy Tackles Leukaemia event at HMAS Cerberus added over 50 donors to the registry, focusing on First Nations and Pasifika communities for…

Looking Back at 2024

%%excerpt_only%% Join us to take a look back at what we achieved in 2024.

Shaping our donor work with young First Nations voices

Too many First Nations patients are missing out on life-saving stem cell matches. We’re sharing early insights from young First Nations people about what they need to…

Changing lives, one donation at a time: the history of blood stem cell transplants

This article is based on the work of Tiffany Garbutt, PhD, and her piece "Science milestone: The history of bone marrow transplantation". For a more detailed…

Is blood stem cell donation safe?

As a member of the blood stem cell donor registry, you might have heard concerns about potential long-term side effects of donating stem cells. However, recent…

From high risk to high reward

How outcomes are improving for blood stem cell recipients Blood stem cell transplants have revolutionised the treatment of blood cancers and other diseases…

The evolving tech behind stem cell transplants

Advances in technology and international cooperation have improved the chance of finding stem cell donors for blood cancer patients, and ultimately saved lives. As we…