Child inspires woman to be potentially life-saving stem cell donor
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An Inverness woman touched by the plight of a child desperately needing a stem cell transplant has given a life-changing donation, writes Caleb Dowling.
Stacie Shand had signed up for the Anthony Nolan register around two years ago after seeing an appeal for would-be donors in local media.
She read about the youngster in a newspaper article and felt she had to try and help.
Stacie, who has been working at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for more than five years, has done her part by going to London to donate stem cells that will be received by another adult.
In October, she received an email telling her she was a 100 per cent match with the individual who was in need of stem cells so jumped at the chance.
Although she was “quite nervous” she added after “the brilliant care from the staff at the medical assessment, it made things a lot less intimidating”.
The 24-year-old could not speak higher of the staff at the London clinic, saying how friendly and accommodating they were, organising all the flights and accommodation and providing up to £35 a day for food if she wished.
Overall the donation was a great success with Stacie needing to produce four million cells but in fact she gave five-and-a-half million.
Stacie said that she only felt “a bit rough” for around four days afterwards but “it was nothing compared to what youngsters needing stem cells were experiencing”, adding: “Sacrificing a few days of my life not feeling the best was well worth potentially saving someone else’s.”
Stacie encourages as many people as possible to also register to donate stem cells as well.
For more information, visit www.anthonynolan.org
