George's story
As a full-time dad of twin daughters, George spends all his time, focus and energy on his family. His diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was a devastating blow and shook the whole family to its core.
The headaches, nausea, severe vertigo episodes, fatigue and general abdominal discomfort George experienced were the first symptoms to indicate something wasn’t right. George’s other passions outside his family - bodybuilding, cycling, tennis and swimming – along with his innate ability to plan and reach goals, were also deeply affected by this disease.
“My blood counts were through the roof, so the haematologist ordered a bone marrow biopsy and I was diagnosed within a two-week period”.
The doctors decided that a blood stem cell transplant was the best way to cure George and save his life.
The search begins then stops
The search for a donor began with George’s sister, who was tested but found to be only a 50% match.
George’s doctors continued to look for a better match and after few weeks, 'George's Guardian' was found: a perfect 12/12 match. The family were over the moon!
However, his latest bone marrow biopsy results before the transplant were not as good as the doctors expected. Sadly, this meant that George was technically unfit for the planned transplant.
Further treatment is necessary
The doctors have proposed that George undergoes further treatment for three to six months with the hope to get his blood counts under control. This means undergoing a bone marrow biopsy every month during this period, a procedure George knows all too well and is dreading every time.
The new treatment has started so George, his family, and their friends from near and far are praying and hoping the treatment will work as needed and allow for his blood stem cell transplant to take place.
The clock is reset, and a new waiting game has begun…
Join our donor register
You might be the perfect match for someone like George who is searching for their own lifesaver-in-waiting. Help us give hope to more families like George's by joining the donor register today.