Mother of teenager with rare blood disorder thanks colleagues for ‘overwhelming’ response to stem cell appeal

3 March 2022

“Thank you, you’ve given us hope,” says the mother of a teenager battling two life-threatening blood disorders after more than 2,300 West Midlands Police officers and staff applied to join the stem cell register following her urgent appeal.

Detective Sergeant Sally Olsen made a desperate plea to fellow colleagues urging them to join the register in hope of finding a life-saving match for her 13-year-old daughter, Izzie.

A number of donation drives have been organised for West Midlands Police officers and staff, with the final event taking place on Wednesday (9 March) at Lloyd House, from 10am until 4pm.

“I’m overwhelmed with the response we’ve received so far. It just shows that people are listening to our appeal and want to help, it’s reassuring,” says Sally, “Seeing how many people reacted to Izzie’s story, I’ve had former colleagues who I haven’t spoken to in years get in touch, well they’ve all given me hope.

“And this is about others too, not just Izzie. There are so many people out there waiting for a donation, the more people who can join the register the better. I’m asking anyone who can register, please do, it’s such a simple act but will have such a massive impact on the recipients and their families.”

Although 2,300 people applied for a pack, Sally says the challenge comes in ensuring they send off their swab and complete the registration process.

“I’m calling on everyone who showed an interest in joining the register to make sure you send off your swab. I know we’re all busy but sending that swab in means you could save somebody’s life,” she says.

Izzie, who was diagnosed with two rare blood disorders last year, is hoping to find a 10 out of 10 perfect stem cell match.

Her life is currently centred around regular hospital visits and home schooling, as she continues to fight not only the two blood conditions but also ongoing infections.

“Alongside Izzie continuing with her treatment, she constantly suffers from infections, which makes this much harder,” explained Sally.

 “It’s just a waiting game for us now. We’re waiting for that phone call to let us know a match has been found.”

Last year, a perfect match was found for Izzie but due to last minute health issues with the donor, the transplant was devastatingly cancelled.

“We know someone is out there, we know there is a solution somewhere. Izzie getting better is not impossible, we just need to find that person,” said Sally.

There are two different ways a person can donate stem cells, either peripheral stem cell donation or bone marrow donation.

Depending on your age, you can register to donate with Anthony Nolan (if you are aged between 16 and 30) or DKMS (if you are over 30 and up until 60, depending on other specific criteria). Both match donors and patients across the world.

If you join the donation register, you will have a 1 in 800 chance of being asked to donate.

Sally concluded: “Your registration could help anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. Being on the register is key to providing a second chance of life to others.”

She is urging her colleagues and Federation members to attend the donation drive on Wednesday (9 March) at Lloyd House, from 10am until 4pm.