A simple step with a profound impact

Sarah, a 32-year-old beauty salon owner from Maghull, Liverpool, began her journey with DKMS nearly a decade ago. Driven by the desire to help a young child in need, she attended a local donor registration event.

"I signed up for the DKMS register about nine years ago during a registration event at a school," Sarah recalls. "There was a young child from Liverpool who was ill, and DKMS was recruiting donors. It was very easy to register—just a few simple swabs—and then I didn't think much about it. At the time, I thought, 'I just want to do my bit.'"

For many years, the registration was a distant memory until a life-changing message arrived. "When I saw the text that I could potentially be a match, it was quite surreal. But there was no question in my mind that I would go ahead with the donation," she says.

Preparing for donation

Once Sarah was identified as a potential match, she became even more committed. "It actually inspired me to change my lifestyle—I wanted to stay healthy and be ready for the person who needed me," she explains.

The thorough medical exams at The Christie in Manchester reassured her. "When I went for the medical exam, it was like a complete check-up! It felt good to know I was healthy." On the day of the donation, despite some initial nerves, the process went smoothly thanks to the supportive medical staff.

The emotional impact of the donation was strong, especially when Sarah learned more about her recipient. "My recipient was a lady from the US in her 60s or 70s, which is close to my mum's age. My mum is my best friend, so finding this out really touched me," she shares.

A personal mission of gratitude

Sarah's decision to donate was deeply influenced by her personal experience. Her mother’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer had a significant impact on her outlook. She shares: "I see donating my stem cells as a way to thank the universe for my mum being well. Donating was my way of saying thank you for what happened to our family. And, hopefully, my stem cells can do the same thing for this lady's family."

The support from Sarah’s friends, family, and clients was overwhelming. "So many of my clients were touched by my donation. Many of them opened up to me about their family members who have been affected by blood cancer or blood disorders," she explains.

To those thinking about joining the stem cell register, Sarah’s message is clear: "You’ve got to do it! I can’t think of anything more amazing—you could save or extend a life. Life is such a blessing—giving someone a second chance at life is the best thing."