A Lifeline for Nim: Urgent Call for More Sri Lankan-Australian Stem Cell Donors
At just 28 years old, Nim is facing the fight of his life. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive blood cancer, Nim requires a life-saving stem cell transplant. But despite a global registry of 42 million potential donors, he has yet to find a match.
Nim’s best hope lies within the Sri Lankan community. Stem cell matches are determined by genetic markers that are most commonly shared within the same ethnic background. Unfortunately, Australians of Sri Lankan heritage are significantly underrepresented on the stem cell donor registry, making it much harder for patients like Nim to find the match they desperately need.
“I was born and raised in Australia, but I am also Sri Lankan. This means that my best chance of finding a match will be someone from the same background as me.” says Nim. “Right now, there aren’t many people from our community on the register, so finding a match is difficult.”
If you are Sri Lankan, or of similar South Asian descent, you could be the one to save Nim, or someone like him.
Stem cell donation is simpler than many realise. Registering takes just a few minutes at home with a free and simple cheek swab kit that we send to you, and most donations are done through a process similar to giving blood or plasma. For thousands of Australians battling blood cancers and disorders, the generosity of a stranger could mean the difference between life and death.
Stem Cell Donors Australia has launched a campaign in partnership with Nim’s family and friends to raise awareness and encourage more people from Sri Lankan and South Asian backgrounds to register as stem cell donors. Every new registrant increases the chance of finding a match—not just for Nim, but for others in similar situations.
To learn more about how you can help, visit https://stemcelldonors.org.au/
About Stem Cell Donors Australia
Stem Cell Donors Australia is dedicated to recruiting and supporting potential stem cell donors to provide life-saving transplants to patients in need. As Australia’s only registry, we work to increase donor diversity, expand access to transplants, and ensure every patient has the best chance of finding a life-saving match.
Media Contact: Kate Levy
Stem Cell Donors Australia
klevy@stemcelldonors.org.au
0416 294 474
