Today marks 15 years since the bone marrow transplant which saved India-Blaise Farmer’s life.
India is celebrating this special milestone by visiting child and teenage cancer patients at St James’s Hospital, where she was treated, and giving hope to other families.
India, a hairdresser in Slough, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia when she was three years old and needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life.
India, 20, says, ‘When they told my mum that I would need a bone marrow transplant but they were struggling to find a matching donor, she was determined to do everything within her power to help me. There was a huge drive for new donors and the press were really supportive.’
Celebrities including Sarah Ferguson backed the campaign and encouraged people to sign up as bone marrow donors. Fortunately, a matching donor was found and India’s bone marrow transplant went ahead in September 1998.
India says, ‘That person – a complete stranger - saved my life. If they hadn’t been there for me when I needed them, then I wouldn’t be here today. I don’t know anything about my donor – I don’t know how old they are or where they live; I don’t know how they heard about bone marrow transplants or why they signed up as a donor. But I do know that I wouldn’t be here today without them. It’s quite an incredible feeling.’
India wanted to visit children and teenagers in hospital to speak with them about their experiences. India says, ‘I hope that my story will help other people going through a transplant or cancer treatment. It’s so important to stay strong and never give up hope.’
Ann O’Leary, Head of Register Development at Anthony Nolan, says, ‘We’re delighted that India is celebrating her 15 year transplant anniversary – it shows the lifesaving difference a bone marrow transplant can make and gives hope to so many others. We still can only find a suitable donor for half of the people in need of a bone marrow transplant and need more young men to sign up as donors as they are the most likely to be chosen to donate.’