A mother from Swansea has issued an urgent plea for people to join the stem cell donor register after discovering her survival depends on a single matching donor found anywhere in the world.
A Life Turned Upside Down
Sian Chathyoka, a 42-year-old single mother of two, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer, in September 2025. The diagnosis was so shocking that medical staff revealed she is the only patient with this specific condition currently being treated in both Swansea and Cardiff.
Before falling ill, Sian led an intensely active life. She was a regular sea swimmer, helped run a family campsite, and managed the busy household for her two teenage children. Her health rapidly declined last August, with overwhelming fatigue leaving her bedridden and unable to perform simple tasks like getting out of a chair.
The Search for a Lifesaving Match
Since her diagnosis, Sian's survival has depended on weekly blood and platelet transfusions, alongside treatment for a painfully swollen spleen. Doctors have been clear that her only chance of a cure is a stem cell transplant from a compatible donor.
In early January 2026, she received news that was both hopeful and daunting. A search of the worldwide stem cell registry identified just one potential donor whose tissue type matches hers. "I'm lucky. I'm grateful that there is the possibility of a cure through a stem cell transplant," Sian said, acknowledging the fragility of her hope resting on one individual.
Campaigning to Save Lives
Driven by her experience, Sian has partnered with the charity Anthony Nolan to launch the #SignUpForSian campaign. She aims to shatter the widespread public ignorance about stem cell donation that she encountered, even among her own friends.
"What I have realised throughout this process is that nobody knows about stem cell transplants. A lot of my friends didn't have a clue," Sian explained. "Health is wealth and it is a luxury to be grateful for. Just signing up to the register, you can literally save a life."
Rowena Bentley, Head of Programme and Community Recruitment at Anthony Nolan, emphasised the simplicity of the process. "Becoming lifesaver ready is easy. Just head to the Anthony Nolan website to fill out a short online form, you'll be sent a cheek swab and when you send it back freepost you will be added to the stem cell register and be ready to save a life like Sian's."
Despite the fear underlying her situation, Sian is determined to remain positive. "It's very difficult to be upbeat... When you take away the layers it's absolutely petrifying. But you've got to forget about that and be positive," she stated, channelling her energy into raising crucial awareness for others in need of a donor.
