Mitch joined the registry to give back to someone in need
Mitch has been a dedicated blood plasma donor for years, but it wasn’t until 2023 that he expanded his commitment to helping others by joining the blood stem cell donor registry. Just six months later, he answered a call that would change his life, and the life of a patient living with a life-threatening condition.
I am a regular blood plasma donor at my local donation clinic. I’ve been donating since I was 19 years old, but only really consistently since the pandemic in 2020. In early 2023, while donating at my local clinic, I noticed a sign about Stem Cell Donors Australia at the reception desk. Intrigued, I asked the nurses about it and signed up on the spot. The following week, I provided extra blood samples for the registry. The process was so simple!
I joined the registry for the same reason I donate blood plasma: to give back to someone in need. I’m fortunate to lead a healthy lifestyle and have a body that recovers easily. Not everyone is so lucky. If I can help someone without it significantly impacting my life, it’s a no-brainer.
In November 2023, just six months after joining the registry, I received a phone call saying I was a possible match. It felt surreal. Only later did I learn that only about 1 in 1,500 donors on the registry are found to be a match.
I donated in March 2024. The process was seamless and incredibly organized, thanks to the support from Deb at Stem Cell Donors Australia and Maureen at hospital where I donated. Within a week of the initial call, I had extra blood samples taken at my local donor center. It was a new experience for the nurses too! They started recognizing me as “our blood stem cell donor.” I also provided saliva samples to ensure the match was accurate. Mailing off swabs was definitely a first for me.
A few weeks before the donation, I had a Workup day at the hospital. I spoke with a haematologist about the G-CSF injections and what to expect. I also had extra blood samples taken, a chest x-ray, and an ECG. Maureen was with me every step of the way and showed me the room where I’d be donating and the machine that would separate the stem cells from my blood. Seeing everything in person beforehand made me feel much more at ease.
The G-CSF injections knocked me around way more than I was initially expecting. I found it easier to inject myself, but on the first day, I made the mistake of standing up. Always sit down for this! The injections left me fatigued and sore in my muscles and bones. Thankfully, it was a long weekend before my donation day, so I could rest and do minimal activity each day.
It was only on the final night of the injections that I was quite restless, and only managed a few hours of sleep – however, I think I was also just somewhat nervous about the donation day itself. Paracetamol helped, but it didn’t completely remove the discomfort. I’d recommend canceling all plans during the injection days and just relaxing with a good book and some TV.
On donation day, I felt a bit nervous, mostly about getting enough stem cells in one go. But the donation itself was one of the easiest parts of the process. I had a comfy bed, listened to podcasts, read, and watched TV. The staff at the hospital were incredible. After the initial blood sample was taken, they found I had plenty of stem cells, and the donation was completed in under four hours. The hardest part was not being able to move one arm and having to stay in bed the whole time.
The days after donating were almost normal. I felt slightly fatigued the next day but was fine to go back to work, however I did feel slightly more tired than usual and with a small headache by the end of the day. Less than 48 hours later, I felt completely back to normal.
To other donors, I’d say: do not plan anything for the days while you are completing your G-CSF injections. Hang out at home, watch some movies, eat plenty of healthy food, and drink lots of water with painkillers on hand. Other than that, enjoy the process. Do not be afraid to ask any questions to your donation coordinator or nurse/s at the hospital, as everyone is incredibly knowledgeable and transparent about what is going on. Bring a good book to read and a few snacks for your donation day too, as it can feel like it goes on for a while.
What surprised me most was the side effects of the G-CSF injections. They weren’t horrific, but I underestimated how I would feel. The entire process was so well-explained that there were few other surprises.
Everyone that I spoke to about being a donor was really proud of me. Explaining the PBSC donation process to them, especially to those who thought it involved drilling into my spine, was a great opportunity to educate and encourage others to join the registry. Some even signed up!
To anyone considering becoming a donor, I’d say absolutely sign up! The process is simple, with minimal risk and minor discomfort for a few days. It can give someone the chance to live a full life. Why wouldn’t you do it?
I want to thank all the staff at Stem Cell Donors Australia, Lifeblood, and The Alfred Hospital for making the process seamless and simple. I’m glad I could help give someone a new lease on life.