Mothers advocate for stem cell donations to save lives: urgent call to action in the fight against blood cancer

Two mothers are calling for more awareness of the critical need for more stem cell donors, following their own children’s battles with a rare and life-threatening condition. Their stories shine a light on the urgent issue of donor shortages and the life-saving potential of stem cell transplants.

Blood cancers and related conditions, such as haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), affect thousands of children worldwide each year. In the UK alone, over 2,000 children are diagnosed annually, and at any given time, around 2,000 people are waiting for a stem cell transplant. Yet, only 7% of eligible individuals in the UK are registered as potential donors.

Jo Hill, from Birmingham, saw her son Finn diagnosed with CNS HLH at the age of five. After undergoing two stem cell transplants, Finn has made a remarkable recovery and is now thriving, engaging in school, youth theatre, and activism campaigns. Emily Chaney, from Bishop Stortford, faced a similar ordeal when her son Jacob was diagnosed with HLH at two years old. Jacob received his life-saving transplant from Lorna, a 50-year-old donor from Scotland, and their emotional reunion underscores the profound impact of donor generosity.

The call for more donors echoes the founding story of DKMS, the global leader in stem cell donation. Established in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf after his wife, Mechtild Harf, could not find a suitable donor, DKMS has since facilitated over 125,000 stem cell transplants worldwide through its network of 12.5 million registered donors.

Jo and Emily's advocacy efforts highlight the quick and simple process of becoming a potential donor — a few mouth swabs and health questions are all it takes to register. With DKMS's support, the mothers hope to inspire others to help save lives, just as donors saved their children.

This year’s DKMS Gala will spotlight the extraordinary efforts of mothers like Jo, Emily, and Christina Hoots, whose children’s recoveries have turned them into fierce advocates for change. The event will feature emotional reunions, including the first-ever meeting between Nate Wood, a bone marrow donor from Florida, and Jonah Hoots, a young HLH survivor from California.

For those inspired to join the fight against blood cancer, visit www.dkms.org.uk to learn more about becoming a donor and supporting the cause.