Natassa's story
19-year-old Natassa from South East London urgently needs your help. Natassa has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and her only chance of survival is a stem cell transplant. Her family are urging more people to register as stem cell donors to help find Natassa's lifesaver.
"I have no words to describe what it would mean to me to find a match for my daughter. You will be saving her life, and for that I’d be eternally grateful," shares Natassa's mum, Tina.
Diagnosed with blood cancer
Natassa's older sister, Sofia, explains: “Everything all started when Natassa had a seizure last Christmas. After multiple tests and a bone marrow biopsy, Natassa was initially diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in April. Our family’s world was turned upside down.
“Initially, Natassa started a tablet form of chemotherapy and she was reacting well. However, two weeks ago, she started experiencing stomach pain and extreme tiredness.
“We assumed it was the flu but, three days after another blood test, we were told the cancer had developed to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In the last two weeks, our lives have turned upside down even more.”
Life with lymphoblastic
Sofia continues: "Natassa is such a fun, bubbly girl – she’s just a little ball of light. She’s super creative and loves singing and dancing. Plus, she’s a talented makeup artist – before her diagnosis she had studied makeup artistry. She is hoping to peruse this as her career – but has had to put this on hold due to her illness.”
“As young people, we worry so much about what we look like – how many likes we get on Instagram – in reality that doesn’t matter. If we don’t have our health we have nothing.”
Search for a match
“It takes less than 5 minutes to register as a stem cell donor. Of course, we want my sister to find a donor – but this appeal is also for everyone else out there who is in desperate need of a match. We want to be strong for them too," concludes Sofia.