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FEATURE Help Fight Blood CancerLife rarely follows a predictable path. I planned to leave LWC, go to Exeter University, land a great job, and have a happy, uncomplicated life. But then, in June 2021, my life took a sharp turn when I was told the news of my diagnosis: Cutaneous Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a highly unusual form of blood cancer.Facing this life-altering diagnosis immediately brought to mind a common statistic that’s often thrown around: 50% of people will have cancer at some point in their lives. Strangely, I found comfort in this statistic. It highlights a shared struggle, a common adversary capable of uniting us despite the destruction it brings. After my diagnosis, my journey took me through a series of treatments, each with its own degree of effectiveness. Unfortunately, none managed to halt the advance of the cancer. The best option was a stem cell transplant, a procedure akin to a transplant for the immune system. The process involved carefully dismantling my immune system and then injecting new stem cells from a compatible donor. The copy and pasted immune system from the donor can hopefully control and destroy the cancer.Finding the right donor can be a tricky task, primarily because it requires a very close tissue match. I was fortunate enough to have my sister as a match, but not everyone has this advantage. Here’s where young people between the ages of 16 and 30 come into the picture. Sternian Billy Densham’s diagnosis of blood cancer in 2021 was devastating, but he drew great strength from the unwavering support of the Anthony Nolan charity and their lifesaving stem cell register. Billy talks candidly of his journey over the last few years…By registering with the Anthony Nolan stem cell register, you have the chance to save a life, and the process is surprisingly straightforward. Just visit the ‘Anthony Nolan’ website, answer a few questions, complete a straightforward cheek swab, and you’re in, ready to make a lifesaving difference. If you turn out to be a match, donating stem cells is a relatively simple procedure, considering the significant impact it can have. A few injections and a few hours in the hospital to donate, and you’re done. Sometimes, the stem cells are collected from the bone marrow, but this method is becoming less common, accounting for only about 10% of cases.It’s hard to think of another way to make such a big impact in such a simple way. I genuinely encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to potentially save a life, as I’ve personally witnessed the profound transformation such donations can bring.Anthony Nolan’s mission doesn’t end with donor recruitment; they’re deeply invested in conducting and funding crucial research aimed at enhancing transplant outcomes. This research played an essential role in saving my life.I’ve developed a deep passion for fundraising to support this mission. As I continue to recover and return to university life, I’ve been involved with the University’s ‘Marrow’ society. I wholeheartedly urge other students to engage with their local Marrow societies, making a tangible contribution to the battle against blood cancer.Speaking to LWC Sixth Form pupils last year, I was so pleased to see many of them joining the donor register. The canoe team raised an astounding sum for Anthony Nolan and Sutton House are also supporting Anthony Nolan. It’s heart-warming to witness a community coming together to support such a great cause. I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional care I’ve received throughout my journey. I’m thrilled to return to the fun life of a university student, and I am preparing to work in the MedTech world.In May, I’m taking on a cycling challenge, riding 300km from Portsmouth to Paris in just 24 hours to raise money for Anthony Nolan. If you’d like to follow my journey, please visit my Instagram account @billy_updates_his_mates.Amid life’s unexpected challenges, the Anthony Nolan stem cell register shines as a beacon of hope. Together, we can help turn these challenges into stories of resilience, unity, and triumph. Join the fight; save a life.BILLY DENSHAM (2018, Sutton)There is something that all young people can do to help, join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.JOIN THE REGISTER: ANTHONY NOLAN37