The simple decision that changed someone’s life

Lachlan still thinks about his blood stem cell donation years later

A few years ago, while donating blood, I decided to join the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. I had no idea at the time that this decision would change someone’s life. After only 18 months on the registry, I received a phone call informing me that I was a match for someone. Without hesitation, I said yes to proceeding with the donation.

I met with a haematologist and underwent some simple investigations to determine the best donation method. We decided that a peripheral blood stem cell donation would be the preferred option. After getting the all-clear to proceed, I was started on filgrastim injections to help my body produce lots of stem cells.

The injections caused some bone pain, but I was still able to work leading up to the donation. I underwent the donation in the same hospital in which I work, and it was a painless and straightforward process. It took about six hours, during which time I was looked after by some amazing nurses and a doctor.

Although my donation was a few years ago, I still often think about it. I feel privileged to have been able to help someone battling blood cancer. The entire experience was incredibly rewarding, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It’s amazing to think that a simple act of donating blood stem cells can have such a profound impact on someone’s life.