Help Annelise Find Her Matching Stem Cell Donor

After Breast Cancer, Annelise Now Needs a Stem Cell Donor

After overcoming breast cancer, 51-year-old Annelise was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). With no matching donor in her family, she now needs to find an unrelated matching stem cell donor.

Known for her warm personality, love of people, and positive outlook on life, Annelise never imagined she would face cancer twice and a serious blood disease.

The 51-year-old spent years focused on work, family, and everyday life. After undergoing treatment for breast cancer, she began experiencing ongoing blood-related complications that required frequent blood transfusions, sometimes receiving multiple units of blood at a time due to dangerously low blood counts.

Further medical examinations revealed that Annelise’s bone marrow was no longer functioning properly, and was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a serious blood and bone marrow disorder that affects the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells.

"I thought I was leaving cancer behind me," says Annelise. "After everything I'd already been through, hearing that something else was wrong felt like the ground had been pulled out from underneath me."

Since her diagnosis, life become a cycle of hospital visits and blood transfusions.

"There were days when I was exhausted before I even got out of bed," she recalls. "Your body changes, your routine changes, and suddenly your life revolves around appointments and waiting for answers."

As constantly had to go to hospital, Annelise was medically boarded from her job, a loss that deeply affected her.

"Work was such a big part of who I was. I loved being around people, helping customers, and feeling like I was making a difference. Being medically boarded was heart-breaking."

When doctors told Annelise that a stem cell transplantation is the best chance at survival recovery, her family stepped forward to register and see if they could be a potential match, but unfortunately, none of her relatives were compatible.

Having lost her mother to cancer 11 years ago, Annelise understands the emotional impact illness can have on an entire family.

"Watching my family walk this road with me hasn't been easy," she says. "Cancer doesn't only affect the patient. It affects everyone who loves them. That's one of the reasons I keep going — I want more time with the people who mean the world to me."

If you are between the ages of 17 and 55, register as a stem cell donor today. You could be the match that gives Annelise, or another patient in need, a second chance at life.

Remember, all costs related to the donation process are taken care of by DKMS Africa.

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