November 30th 2024.
Amilah Hussein, a nine-year-old girl, has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia. This disorder, which affects the body's ability to produce new blood cells, can be fatal if left untreated. Amilah's mother, Mobeen Hussain, is now desperately searching for a stem cell donor to save her daughter's life.
It all started when Amilah began experiencing frequent bruising earlier this year. Concerned, Mobeen took her to a GP who then referred them to Great Ormond Street Hospital. After a series of tests, Amilah was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in October. This devastating news left the family with only one hope for a cure - a stem cell transplant. However, there is currently no match on the stem cell register for Amilah.
Mobeen explains, "When we were told about Amilah's diagnosis, they told us that the only cure was a stem cell transplant." Due to Amilah's Pakistani heritage, it is more difficult to find a match in the UK. Her unique tissue type makes it less likely to find a donor on UK registers, especially compared to those from white, northern European backgrounds. Unfortunately, Amilah's older brother is also not a match.
Determined to find a donor for her daughter, Mobeen is now working with the charity Anthony Nolan on the Amilah Means Hope campaign. The campaign aims to encourage people between the ages of 16 and 30, especially from minority ethnic backgrounds, to sign up to the stem cell register. As Mobeen explains, "Knowing it will be difficult for Amilah to find a donor makes me want to do something."
A stem cell transplant involves introducing healthy stem cells into the body to help produce new blood cells. It is a life-changing procedure that could allow Amilah to get back to her hobbies of horse riding and karate. Mobeen says, "Until this happened, I didn't realize that this is something people can do. It's why I'm doing this. Stem cell donation is giving a gift of life, it's such a precious gift to give anyone."
The charity Anthony Nolan estimates that there are only 100 to 150 people diagnosed with aplastic anaemia every year in the UK. This disorder is most common in people aged between 10 and 20, as well as those over 60. Yasmin Sheikh, head of policy and public affairs at Anthony Nolan, stresses the importance of finding a donor for Amilah, saying, "Finding a donor for Amilah would mean giving her a second chance at life."
Mobeen hopes that the campaign will not only help her daughter but also raise awareness and help other people in need of a stem cell donor. She explains that Amilah means "hope" in Arabic, which perfectly captures the essence of the campaign. "Hope not just for herself but for all those who need a hero right now and for all those who will need one in the future," says Mobeen.
She continues, "Most heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Signing up to the Anthony Nolan register is a chance to change a life and give someone hope for the future. She means a lot to a lot of people." If you are between the ages of 16 and 30 and in good general health, you can sign up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register and potentially save someone's life. As Mobeen says, "It's a chance to become a hero."
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