Gustavs' story
Gustavs is a cheerful one-year-old who enjoys playing with other children, exploring new places, and running around by himself. He loves spending time with his big sister Hanna, though isn’t so keen on sharing his toys!
In May 2023, Gustavs was given the heartbreaking diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder called Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. He critically needs a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor to survive.
Urgent transplant needed
His mother, Baiba, explains the reality of the situation, “Gustavs' platelet levels are very low. Waiting to find a perfect match for him would not be so bad if his health was more stable; we really want him to be able to have a transplant as soon as possible.”
Unfortunately, his health is at constant risk due to his condition. Baiba says, “He has just started to walk, and even though his legs don’t go as fast as he’d like them to, he is constantly in danger of bumping into things and causing bruising or bleeding.”
She continues, “Today, with medical technology, becoming a stem cell donor is so simple; it is brilliant that with a small effort, you can donate and give someone the possibility of a second chance at living.”
How you can help
Every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer or disorder. You could be their lifesaver if you’re aged 17-55 and in generally good health.
Please sign up to be a blood stem cell donor. Not just for children like Gustavs but for millions around the world suffering from blood diseases, cancers and immunodeficiency who need transplants.
You could be someone’s second chance at life.