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Sian Chathyoka, a 56-year-old mother of two from Swansea, is currently facing a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer called myelofibrosis. Before her diagnosis in September 2025, Sian was known for leading a very active lifestyle—she regularly swam in cold seas, managed her family’s campsite, and cared for her two children aged 18 and 13. However, she began experiencing extreme fatigue that left her unable to do much more than lie in bed. Noticing unexplained weight loss, she sought medical advice, which led to a series of blood tests and scans revealing an enlarged spleen and, ultimately, her diagnosis.
The news came as a shock to Sian, particularly when she learned that a stem cell transplant was essential for her survival. The challenge she discovered was even greater when she found out that only one matching donor exists worldwide to provide the life-saving transplant she needs. “It was very difficult to be upbeat,” Sian admitted, reflecting on the moment she was informed of her slim chances. Still, she remains determined to stay positive despite her fear. “My condition is very rare—I am the only myelofibrosis patient they’ve got in Swansea and Cardiff, and I’ve been told my disease is aggressive as well,” she said.
Since her diagnosis, Sian has been receiving treatment aimed at reducing the size of her spleen and undergoing weekly blood and platelet transfusions to manage her symptoms. When the matching donor was found, Sian described feeling both lucky and deeply grateful for the opportunity the transplant offers. Yet she was surprised by how little awareness exists among her friends about stem cell donation. She hopes that by sharing her experience, others will be motivated to register as donors. “Health is wealth and it is a luxury to be grateful for,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness around stem cell donation.
Stem cells are vital because they have the ability to transform into various types of blood cells, making them crucial in treating blood cancers, immune deficiencies, and certain genetic conditions. Most donations involve collecting blood from donors at specialist centers, but in about 10% of cases, stem cells must be harvested from bone marrow through a hospital procedure. The Anthony Nolan and NHS Stem Cell Registry, which includes organizations like DKMS UK, NHS Blood and Transplant, and the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry, holds a list of more than 2.3 million potential donors globally. Despite this, the NHS states that approximately 30,000 new donors need to join the register each year in the UK alone to meet patient demands. Sian is now actively working with Anthony Nolan to encourage more people to sign up, hoping more lives can be saved. “Just signing up to the register, you can literally save a life. I feel really emotional because that’s as powerful as it is,” she said. Rowena Bentley from Anthony Nolan commented on the impact of Sian’s story, noting it helps to raise vital awareness and that becoming ready to save a life is simple
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