To Diem Nguyen, her daughter Minh is her whole world. Diem would stop at nothing to ensure her daughter gets the help that she needs. That’s why, recently, Diem has been working to find a stem cell donor for Minh. According to CBC and MSN, Minh has bone marrow aplasia, also known as aplastic anemia. The four-year-old girl needs a stem cell donor. However, there are no matching donors so far.

Although over 25 million people across the globe have opted into a stem cell registry, approximately 70% of registrants are Caucasian. This means that it can be difficult for those of other ethnic backgrounds – such as Minh – to find a matching donor. For weeks, Minh has been in the hospital. So Diem stepped out and asked for those of diverse backgrounds to register at stem cell donors.

Recently, Diem held an event to raise awareness of aplastic anemia and to share Minh’s story. Many people came to the event to get swabbed and see if they were a match. For example, Alex Fong learned that there were not enough Asian stem cell donors, so he stepped up to see if he could help. Additionally, others at the event sought to reduce racial and ethnic inequities in healthcare and provide an avenue through which everyone can receive help – regardless of their background.

Right now, Minh is still looking for a match. Those in Canada can register as a stem cell donor here. If you are elsewhere, you may sign up for Be The Match. Even if you are not a match for Minh, you may be able to save the life of someone else.

About Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare, but serious, blood disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. This condition exists under the greater umbrella of bone marrow failure. Aplastic anemia occurs when stem cells become damaged. As a result, the bone marrow is either empty or has very few blood cells in it. Risk factors and potential causes include a family history of bone marrow failure, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), certain infections, radiation or chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, drug or chemical exposure, and pregnancy. Aplastic anemia can develop over time or very quickly, and can affect people of all ages. Symptoms can include:

• Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• Anemia
• Neutropenia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Recurrent infections
• Easy bruising
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing without exertion
• Pallor (pale skin)
• Fatigue
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries

Learn more about aplastic anemia here.