NIKKI SOMMERS, an A & E doctor from Cwm-y-glo, recently donated her stem cells to help save the life of a patient she has never met. After joining the DKMS stem cell donor register in December, Nikki was surprised to be matched just six months later.
Nikki, 37, said: “I’d always meant to sign up. As a medical student, I’d looked into joining the register at university, but never got round to it. When I saw DKMS mentioned online, I decided to finally do it.”
DKMS holds the largest stem cell donor register in the UK, with over one million active donors signed up. But with someone in the UK diagnosed with blood cancer every 14 minutes, there’s an urgent need for more people to join.
Like many, Nikki had heard myths about stem cell donation. “I knew the chances of being matched were low, and I’d heard it could be painful or complicated. But when I got the call in June, I realised how straightforward and supported the process really is.”
Having seen the impact of stem cell transplants first-hand during her haematology rotation as a first-year doctor. Nikki knew how vital donors are.
She said: “I cared for a patient who had undergone a transplant and was in isolation for weeks, unable to see family. It feels full circle to now be on the other side of that experience.”
After initial medical checks, Nikki travelled to The Christie in Manchester to donate her stem cells through a simple, outpatient procedure similar to donating blood platelets.
Nikki explained: “I had a few days of injections to boost my stem cells beforehand, which was manageable —I just felt a bit tired. The actual donation was straightforward and took place over one day.
“The nurses and DKMS team were fantastic. I felt really well looked after and had lots of support throughout.”
Just over a week after donating, outdoors fan Nikki was already back at the gym. She said: “It’s not a big impact, and you get to make a massive difference to someone’s life.”
Shortly after the donation, Nikki learned her stem cells had gone to a patient overseas.
She said: “I don’t know much about them yet, but I hope they’re doing well. It’s humbling to think that a few hours of my time could give someone decades more with their family.”
Four myths Nikki has teamed up with DKMS to bust:
- Stem cell donation is painful and involves surgery:
“Nine out of ten donations are done via a non-surgical method, similar to giving blood. My donation was completed in a single day, without an operation.” - You’ll be seriously unwell after donating:
“I had mild fatigue from the pre-donation injections, but I was back at the gym just over a week later. In fact, most DKMS donors report being fully back on their feet within a fortnight.” - It’s unlikely you’ll ever be matched:
“Every new donor increases the chances for patients still waiting to find a compatible donor – just by signing up you are part of a worldwide chain of hope.” - The process is complicated and time-consuming:
“Signing up involves a few cheek swabs and a short health questionnaire – which take just minutes. If you are matched with someone needing a stem cell transplant, DKMS guides donors through every step. The experience was straightforward, safe, and incredibly rewarding.”
DKMS spokesperson Bronagh Hughes said: “Nikki has done something truly amazing. Right now, only 60% of patients find a match on the register.
“Patients all over the world are waiting for their match, so signing up means that, like Nikki, you could be the person to give someone a second chance, and potentially even save a life.
“Joining the stem cell register is really easy, it just involves a few cheek swabs and a few health questions.”
Now, Nikki is keen to encourage more people to join the stem cell donor registry. She said: “It’s natural to be unsure, but there’s nothing to be scared of. The whole procedure is easy and well supported, and there’s so much help available.
“Most of my family and friends don’t know what stem cell donation is, so I’m really happy to be able to share my story. Even if one person visits the DKMS website and signs up, I’ll be delighted.”
Anyone aged 17-55 and in general good health can sign up with a few simple mouth swabs. To find out more, and order your swab kit, visit the DKMS website.
Things you didn’t know about blood cancer:
- Blood cancers are the third most common cause of cancer death in the UK
- Every year, nearly 13,000 people die from blood cancer in the UK
- At any one time there are around 2,000 people in the UK in need of a stem cell transplant
