Hello Lifers! I come bearing good news and an appeal!
So. I've been fortunate enough to have been found a match for a patient who needs a blood transplant. I have a procedure on October 17th called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell donation, where all the good stuff in my blood is taken out and then used to help someone with a blood disorder. It's a few hours long; basically painless; and easy for me to prepare for. All great.
However.
This costs money. From the initial testing kit (£60), to my medical examinations and testing once I'm found to be a match (£££); to any expenses for my time (thankfully £0 as I'm a Londoner); to the actual procedure; to medical insurance - Anthony Nolan shell out a fair amount of dough.
So I thought I'd ask the most charitable community I know in CL and see if you guys feel like helping Anthony Nolan with its incredible work. Here is my fundraising page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PATRICK-PAMMENTAnything you can give would be amazing. Let's all #BeTheCure.
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Even if you can't donate, PLEASE JOIN THE REGISTER if you're under 30. 60% of patients get the best possible match, which is great, but AN always needs more donors. So if you're healthy and under 30, please join! Here's that page:
https://www.anthonynolan.org/8-ways-you-could-save-life/donate-your-stem-cells/apply-join-our-registerMost importantly, perhaps, is to note the following:
- I'm male
- I'm under 30
- I'm of a minority ethnic background
"Why's this important?", I hear you cry. Well - young men make up over half of all donors but just 15% of those on the register.
Also - the match rate of 60% I mentioned earlier drops massively to 20.5% if you're black, Asian, or another ethnic minority.
Regardless - if you're aged 16-30, please join the register. It's such an important thing and comes at next to no inconvenience for you, but makes a massive difference to someone's life.
Thank you, peace and love -
Paddy x
Comments
Pleased to donate .
It is something very, very close to my heart. I haven't mentioned it on here before but my youngest son was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2014. His treatment although horrendous for him has gone very well and he's in full remission now and hasn't needed a bone marrow/stem cell transplant (hope he never will). But if he did his elder brother is a perfect match - I would dread to think of the nightmare of having to find a donor on the register.
One day there will be a cure for every form of cancer - but we're not there yet and I would urge anyone under 40 to consider registering with an organisation such as the Anthony Nolan Trust.
I have donated stem cells. One of my sisters had leukemia a few years ago and I was a match. Fortunately all has worked out well.
About a week before I had injections to stimulate white cell production. On the day, plugged into a machine, blood out, through a machine to take the cells and then back in again. Takes a few hours. Can leave you feeling physically drained before and after. Worth it though.
I just tried to register on the link you provided, as it's a wonderful thing to do - alas, I'll need to do it after I register at my local GP surgery (as they want the address).
I'll donate via JustGiving this evening when I'm finished up at work.
Once again, top work mate. I'm sure a few of us will buy you a beer if we get the opportunity.
And @johnny73 - great to know the procedure from someone who's been through it and not just a nurse! Pretty sure PBSC will all be fine though.
@bobmunro absolutely delighted to hear your youngest is doing so well, and that should anything happen you've got an easy match.
That sort of thing does highlight how important it is to be on the register though - I'm not really fussed about the money (though it'd be great if I could raise as much as possible).
If even one person signs up cos I've helped raise awareness, and if they turn out to be a match - can't put a price on that really.
My match was a Frenchman but for my own reasons I wished to remain anonymous from him The procedure was undertaken in London and his care team thanked me during the process.
I donated twice for the same person but wished to not know how he responded.
I am pleased to know I helped that man whatever way with his treatment knowing from experience how these things can progress. that was enough for me.
I am still on the register but have not been found a match since.
A very worthwhile and personally rewarding experience. I urge all to sign up.
I wish you all the best Paddy
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PATRICK-PAMMENT
I don't know if it's worth pointing out that there seemed to be an advantage in being able to pick the best matched donor from a range of possibilities. So even if you have a fairly common ancestry you could still be the difference between life and death.
All I can add that my young donor did not just save my life. He did a lot more that that.
My son has grown up with a father.
My wife didn't have to watch my son grow up without a father.
My friends didn't have to come to a shitty funeral.
Charlton have had an extra season ticket holder for eight seasons.
Please register and / or donate!
Females - sure thing, but my point was (and I didn't explain it clearly enough) that men in my demographic are far more likely to be found to be a match for someone, as apparently we produce more stem cells, or something.
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A massive THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has contributed - I'm a bit overwhelmed.
Fucking hell. Let's keep going. Wow.
Unless you were anonymous of course then I thank you.
Well done Paddy. Charlton Lifer's generosity goes above and beyond.
(Also, bump...
First off - WOW. We've raised £1,845 for the Nolan. I'm absolutely gobsmacked, and that's in no small part down to you absolute diamonds on CL. Thank you all so, so much - I never expected to get anywhere near this. Wow.
A quick update - I had my first of five GCSF injections this morning! Two needles, very easy, very simple, and I'm feeling fine (at the moment). These basically mean I can grow the surplus cells that my recipient needs, and on Monday when I donate, there should be loads of those in the peripheral bits of my blood to be harvested. Super stuff.
Nevertheless, we could all always be doing more, and in particular JOIN THE REGISTER. That for me seems to be the most important thing - so here's the link again: https://www.anthonynolan.org/8-ways-you-could-save-life/donate-your-stem-cells/apply-join-our-register
Once again, thanks to everyone who's donated - I'm overwhelmed.
Paddy x
You're a hero, Paddy.
I'm typing this from my hospital bed, just before I'm hooked up to a load of machines. Just wanted to thank you all so much for your generous contributions - I cannot believe that nearly £2,000 has been raised so far.
Of course, shameless link time - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PATRICK-PAMMENT
Regardless, if you're eligible then please get on the register, too. It's a relatively easy thing to do, and could make a huge difference to someone.
Speak soon all! x