Stranger Grants Hope: A Heartwarming Tale

A Northern Ireland child has received a potentially life-saving transplant from a stranger he has never met. Nine-year-old Dylan Hume, from Newtownabbey, had been searching for a match through the stem cell donor register. Stranger's Life-Saving Gift Dylan was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Part of his treatment included a platelet transfusion nearly every week to keep him alive. Doctors told his parents that he needed a transplant to try and kickstart his body into producing healthy blood again. None of his family were a match, so a search began to find a stranger who could save his life. Community Support Before he became ill last year, Dylan loved playing football alongside his friends with St Mary’s FC in Glengormley, where his dad Ross is a coach. Dylan's family and friends worked with DKMS to sign people up to the stem cell register. Hope Amid Challenges Last month, they held a donor drive event at Glengormley Integrated Primary School, where more than 300 people joined the stem cell register in a single day. Eventually, his parents received the life-changing news that a donor had been found, a total stranger was a close enough match, and had agreed to come forward and donate their stem cells. Transformation Begins Dylan was very unwell but finally underwent the procedure, receiving his potentially life-saving transplant. Speaking about her son's journey, mum Claire shared their emotional experience and the hope they have found. Community Call to Action Claire and Dylan are marking World Blood Cancer Day by encouraging everyone aged 17–55 and in good general health to order a free swab kit via the DKMS website, to potentially save lives. Northern Ireland's Response New data from DKMS reveals the significant increase in stem cell donors from Northern Ireland, urging more to join and support those battling blood cancer. Offering a Second Chance DKMS emphasizes the importance of donors for patients in need of a second chance at life. Lifeline of Hope By joining the register, individuals can offer a lifeline to those facing blood cancer. Cancer Awareness DKMS highlights the urgent need for stem cell donors and the impact each registration can have on saving lives.