Lucy Church, a Bristol-based sales assistant, is living with more than just headaches and fatigue. After a shock diagnosis, Lucy discovered she’s battling myelofibrosis, a rare and life-limiting blood cancer that affects only one to two people per 100,000 each year in the UK. Initially diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia in 2012, Lucy’s condition remained stable for over a decade. However, last December, an alarming level of anaemia and worsening symptoms led to the discovery of myelofibrosis.
Doctors have told Lucy she may have just three to five years to live unless she undergoes a stem cell transplant. Even after finding a perfect donor match from a registry of 35 million people, her treatment is on hold until her condition worsens because of the procedure’s high risks.
Lucy’s experience highlights the urgent need for more blood donors and people to join the stem cell register. Despite the daunting challenges ahead, she’s using her voice to encourage others. “I urge everyone to join the stem cell register and donate blood. It’s crucial, not just for me, but for anyone facing similar battles,” Lucy shared.
Taking daily chemotherapy pills, Lucy faces tiring side effects while awaiting the potential transplant. Her mental health has been impacted, but she remains resilient and hopeful that her story will inspire more to help those in need. Join the fight; become a donor and make a difference today! #BloodCancerAwareness #DonateHope