Amy How's leukaemia battle reveals vital stem cell donor truth
Launceston nurse Amy How is advocating for stem cell donor registration after surviving acute myeloid leukaemia through a transplant from a German donor. Despite initial chemotherapy failure, a successful stem cell match provided her with a second chance at life.
Why it matters
It highlights the critical importance of global stem cell registries in saving lives when conventional cancer treatments fail.
Without the kindness of a stranger halfway across the world, Launceston General Hospital (LGH) nurse Amy How would have died.
All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper All other regional websites in your area Continue Launceston General Hospital nurse Amy How is advocating for more people to join the stem cell donor registry after her own battle with cancer. Picture by Paul Scambler In mid-2024 Ms How was suddenly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Only six weeks before she had done the six-day Overland Track.
A blood test from her doctor to see why she'd felt "a bit down" since finishing the hike quickly showed she had much more serious concerns.
"I had the bloods done, gone to the super market, got home and got the call to say the bloods weren't great," Ms How said.
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