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Rare Cancer Survivor Urges Stem Cell Donations
1 Sep
Summary
- Diagnosed with rare myelofibrosis at 22, Raj Parmar's life was saved by a stem cell transplant.
- An eye test in 2015 led to the diagnosis of a condition usually seen in those over 60.
- Parmar highlights the critical need for stem cell donors, especially for those of Indian heritage.
Raj Parmar, now 33, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer, in October 2015. The diagnosis came unexpectedly during a routine eye test in Cardiff, where blood was discovered behind his eyes. This condition, typically affecting individuals over 60, progresses by scarring bone marrow and causing abnormal blood cell production.
By January 2020, Parmar's health had significantly deteriorated, necessitating a stem cell transplant, which is considered a potential cure for the disease. Despite an initial delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the transplant finally occurred in September 2020. The treatment involved a six-week hospital stay, including a rigorous chemotherapy regimen.
Following the transplant, Parmar relied on numerous blood transfusions for nine months. By September 2021, his health stabilized, and he is now considered a survivor, requiring only annual check-ups. Parmar, of Indian heritage, underscores the lower probability of finding matches for individuals from similar backgrounds and appeals for broader stem cell donor registration worldwide.
