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Rare Blood Cancer: Only One Donor for Swansea Mum
20 Jan
Summary
- Sian Chathyoka has a rare blood cancer, impacting only her in Swansea and Cardiff.
- She relies on weekly transfusions while awaiting a stem cell transplant.
- Globally, only one potential stem cell donor match has been identified for Sian.
Sian Chathyoka, a single mother of two, received a shocking diagnosis of myelofibrosis in September 2025. This rare blood cancer has no other known patients in Swansea and Cardiff, leaving Sian as the sole case in these areas. Her condition is aggressive and has left her extremely fatigued, unable to maintain her previously active lifestyle.
She has been reliant on weekly blood and platelet transfusions since August 2025 to survive while awaiting a life-saving stem cell transplant. During her treatment journey, Sian discovered that only one potential match exists for her within the global stem cell registry, a fact that stunned her. She is now partnering with the Anthony Nolan charity for the SignUpForSian campaign to boost donor registration.
Rowena Bentley from Anthony Nolan explains that joining the stem cell register is a simple process. Interested individuals can visit the Anthony Nolan website, complete a short online form, and will be sent a free cheek swab kit. Returning the swab enables them to be added to the register, ready to potentially save a life like Sian's.
