Mother seeks stem cell donor for daughter with rare blood disorder

The mother of a nine-year-old girl, who has been diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder, is seeking a donor to save her daughter. Amilah, a resident of Horsham in West Sussex, received a diagnosis of aplastic anaemia at Great Ormond Street Hospital in October. This diagnosis followed the appearance of unexplained bruising on her shins. Medical professionals informed Amilah’s mother, Mobeen, that a stem cell transplant represents the sole prospect for a cure. However, no compatible match is presently available on the stem cell register. Mobeen is appealing for increased registration of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds as potential donors. Aplastic anaemia is a condition characterized by the bone marrow’s inability to produce a sufficient quantity of new blood cells for normal bodily function. This deficiency impairs the body’s capacity to combat infection, halt bleeding, or transport oxygen. A transplant procedure involves introducing healthy stem cells into the bloodstream, which then assist in the generation of new blood cells. Given Amilah’s Pakistani heritage – her name signifying hope in Arabic – she is more prone to possessing a unique tissue type. Consequently, her likelihood of locating a donor on UK registers is lower than that for patients of white, northern European descent. Regrettably, Amilah’s older brother, Naa’il, has not been identified as a match. The family is currently collaborating with the Anthony Nolan charity on a campaign titled “Amilah Means Hope.” This initiative urges individuals aged 16 to 30, especially those from minority ethnic communities, to register as stem cell donors. Mobeen stated, “Stem cell donation is giving a gift of life; it’s such a precious gift to give anyone.” The procedure is anticipated to enable Amilah, referred to as Milly by her friends and family, to resume her hobbies of horse riding and karate. Yasmin Sheikh, who serves as the head of policy and public affairs at Anthony Nolan, commented, “Finding a donor for Amilah would mean giving her a second chance at life.” She added, “Amilah’s donor will most likely share her background, which is why we’re particularly calling on people with Pakistani heritage to join the register and give someone like Amilah hope for the future.” Mobeen described the campaign as “for all those who need a hero right now and for all those who will need one in the future.” She further remarked, “Most heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.” “Signing up to the Anthony Nolan register is a chance to change a life and gift someone hope for the future,” she concluded. “She means a lot to a lot of people,” Mobeen emphasized.