Last week, Adam (21) donated via peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC) to give someone a second chance of life.
Now he’s sharing his story to help bust myths about the donation process, and encourage others to sign up to a donor register.
I signed up when I was 17 and at a blood donation session – I was a regular blood donor, and I’d learnt about becoming a bone marrow donor after my mum had signed up. So I spoke to the staff at the session, and instead of having to do a spit kit test, they just took an extra blood sample.
Why did I do it? Well, if I'm healthy, and I can help someone, why shouldn't I? I believe that if you’d take something, you should also be willing to give it.
After signing up, I did honestly completely forget, and didn't give it much thought until about four years later, when I received a phone call saying that I was a potential match and asking whether I would still be willing to carry out the procedure. And of course I jumped at it!
Adam, during his donation
I was excited, nervous – and also feeling a little upset, if I was honest. I was happy to think that I could be the person to help, and potentially save someone's life. But I was also upset to think about what the family was going through, and how they must be feeling.
So after that, I began to tell my friends and family. They were all supportive and excited as well! They told me how admirable the whole thing was, and they were so proud of me for doing this for someone I didn't know.
I started to really feel excited when all my tests came through and I was confirmed as the match. I could just picture the faces of the family of the recipient being told that they had found a match, and had a real chance now.
So I traipsed to London for a medical, nervous and apprehensive, thinking to myself, ‘What if I can't? What if it turns out there’s something stopping me from donating?’ But all of that worry was for nothing. Because I was fine – and before I knew it, it was time to donate.
So I began my GCSF injections, which were nothing, really. Yes, I did have a little discomfort during those days, but it was only a little backache and ache in my legs. I thought, ‘It's a little discomfort for me to potentially save a life.’
I had my final injections on the Tuesday, and made my way to London with a close mate of mine the day before the actual donation.
Adam, donating with a smile on his face
We arrived with everything arranged and paid for, and a lovely hotel to stay in.
The next day we made our way to the clinic in London and booked ourselves in. And in no time, I was hooked up to the machine…which was nothing! It was virtually painless, and easy. And I saved someone's life by literally lying there, laughing with the other donors and my pal I’d brought with me.
Before I knew it, the time came to unplug me. So my donation went off to be counted, and we had lunch in the meantime (which was really nice, by the way). And that was the donation done. I was filled with pride, and if I’m honest, it was emotional – but in a good way.
To anyone thinking about getting on the register, I’d say, ‘Just do it.’ Honestly, it is such an easy, rewarding and pleasant process, and you can say you really have done something.
And if I could speak to the person receiving my donation. I’d just say that there is no need to thank me. They’re more than welcome to my stem cells, and I wish them all the best now and in the future.
It was my pleasure to do this amazing thing.
If you’d like to read more stories from real-life stem cell and bone marrow donors, visit anthonynolan.org/myths or join the conversation on Twitter, using the hashtag #DonatingIsntScary.
Aged 16–30 and in good general health? Join the Anthony Nolan register by clicking on the button below.
