Title: Lincoln Mother’s Urgent Call for Stem Cell Donors to Combat Rare Blood Cancer
A Lincoln resident, Katie Matthews, 32, is urgently calling for individuals to join the stem cell register. She received a diagnosis of myelofibrosis, an uncommon form of blood cancer, while being 15 weeks pregnant with twins. Matthews was given this diagnosis in July 2024, and without a stem cell transplant, doctors have estimated that she has a life expectancy of approximately six years. Regardless of these difficulties, Matthews remains steadfast in her fight, stating, “I will battle strenuously; it’s what mothers do. I have a reason to fight, and I will do so without holding back.”
After months of attentive watching, her twins entered into the world healthy at 32 weeks. Initially, an ultrasound revealed an expand spleen and a blood clot, ensuing in her ultimate diagnosis following a bone marrow biopsy. Conveying the news of her illness to her family was especially devastating, mainly when explaining it to her nine-year-old son.
The illness impedes the bone marrow’s capacity to generate blood cells, and unfortunately, her brother was not recognised as a suitable donor match. Matthews is optimistic that by advancing awareness and inspiring more individuals to enlist on the stem cell register, she could discover her match and support others alike.
In solidarity with her, a charity football match is expected to take place on 24 May at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, targeting the funding collection for the family as they grapple with the financial burden of Matthews’ disease. “Cancer is such horrific, yet life proceeds to move forward, bills still need to be settled,” she elaborates, underlining the precautions encountered as her husband has ceased working to care for her and their children.
The Anthony Nolan charity, which manages a stem cell register in the UK, is particularly emphasising younger donors’ enlistment to assist individuals like Matthews in finding the much-needed life-saving matches.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting www.bbc.com.
