Tilbury Douglas joins forces with cancer charity DKMS to save lives at a Wirral Hospital on World Blood Cancer Day
In a remarkable collaboration, Tilbury Douglas partnered with DKMS, a cancer charity, to host a large-scale stem cell swabbing event at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral to mark World Blood Cancer Day on 28 May.
The event brought together hospital staff, patients, and visitors, all with the goal of determining if they match potential recipients battling blood cancer.
Participants provided cheek cell samples, swabbed inside their mouths by volunteers working for Tilbury Douglas. These cells contain vital genetic information crucial for matching through DKMS’s international database. Registered individuals will be contacted later if identified as potential matches, and DKMS will initiate the life-saving process.
Elaine Lewis, an advanced nurse practitioner at Arrowe Park Hospital, eagerly volunteered to be swabbed. Her 20-year-old son, who battled Hodgkin Lymphoma, was fortunate to find a donor. As a mother, Elaine understands the emotional journey families face during such challenging times.
“It doesn’t take long to do and yet it can make such a huge difference,” she said.
Being on the registry signifies a commitment to potentially save a life. While there is no guarantee of donation requests, each registration amplifies optimism. Currently, 2,000 people in the UK seek their stem cell match.
“World Blood Cancer Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a call to action. Every swab taken today represents hope – a chance to be someone’s lifeline.”
Being on the registry signifies a commitment to potentially save a life. While there is no guarantee of donation requests, each registration amplifies optimism. Currently, 2,000 people in the UK seek their stem cell match.
The initiative holds personal significance for Tilbury Douglas, as it directly impacted staff members’ lives through stem cell transplants. This underscores the importance of raising awareness about the crucial register.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with DKMS by bringing the mass swab event to Arrowe Park Hospital where Tilbury Douglas is delivering its new Urgent and Emergency Care Upgrade Programme.
“Our colleagues have received stem cell transplants, and it saved their lives, emphasising why it is so important for us to raise the profile of this important register. Together, we can bring about positive change and give a second chance of survival to those in need.”
