Many of the interviews you’ve read and DJ mixes you’ve listened to over the years on Big Shot were organized by London music publicist Sonia Akow from Push PR. A champion of underground music and tireless purveyor of new talent, Sonia received bad news in November 2012 when doctors diagnosed her with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Sonia is currently undergoing chemotherapy and needs a blood stem cell transplant. This is where you can help save Sonia’s life. Please read the details below on how to donate — the more people who register, the better her chance of survival — and keep Sonia in your prayers.
SONIA NEEDS YOUR HELP! STEM CELL DONORS – PASS THIS ON
As many of you will know, Sonia was diagnosed with ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA (AML) in November 2012 and doctors have told us that a blood stem cell transplant is her best hope of survival. She currently going through cycles of chemotherapy while the doctors search for a donor. We need your help to get more people to register as a potential donor, not just to help save Sonia’s life, but potentially others too.
Sonia’s mother died of the same disease only just over a year ago, and now we’re having to go through the same thing again, and so you can understand why we really need to find a match for Sonia. WE WANT TO ASK YOU ALL TO SPREAD THIS MESSAGE AS FAR AND WIDE AS YOU CAN TO ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND PARTICULARLY INTO COMMUNITIES WITH MIXED WHITE, CHINESE, BLACK CARIBBEAN AND INDIAN CONNECTIONS, AS THESE ARE ALL PART OF SONIA’S HERITAGE, AND MOST LIKELY TO BE WHERE SHE’LL FIND A GENETIC MATCH. These groups are also the most under-represented on donor registers.
The word ‘transplant’ probably sounds daunting, BUT joining the register and potentially becoming a donor is not complicated – YOU FILL IN A SHORT FORM AND PROVIDE A SMALL SALIVA SAMPLE – IT REALLY IS THAT EASY. Once you’re on the register, you could come up as a match for someone like Sonia and potentially save their life. And donating your stem cells is not much different from giving blood and there’s no operation involved.
THE EASIEST WAY YOU CAN HELP:
IF YOU’RE 16-30 – apply to join online here ANTHONY NOLAN (where you’ll also find a short film explaining what’s involved and hopefully help you make a life changing decision.)You could also get in touch with ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) who are particularly active in encouraging people to join the register from under-represented groups – Black, Chinese, Indian – EXACTLY THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE NEED TO HELP FIND SONIA A MATCH, AND SAVE HER LIFE!
AND IF YOU’RE 31-49 – You’re not too old to donate – go here http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/bonemarrow/
Or call the NBS Hotline on 0300 123 23 23 and ‘QUOTE R20’ and tell them you want to become a blood and bone marrow donor.OR you can visit http://www.blood.co.uk/ to find and book your nearest session. Just type in your home town or your postcode and you’ll find plenty to choose from. And you don’t even have to register before doing so. Just turn up on the day.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO TELL THEM YOU WANT TO REGISTER AS A BONE MARROW DONOR TOO
AND IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE UK…
USA – http://marrow.org/Home.aspx
Australia – http://www.abmdr.org.au/
International registries http://marrowdrives.org/bone_marrow_donor_programs.html#international_marrow
ANOTHER WAY TO DONATE IF YOU’RE EXPECTING A BABY!
After a baby is born the umbilical cord and placenta are usually thrown away but inside are vital stem cells that could save a life. If you’re a mum to be and live in London, Birmingham or Leicester find out more www.anthonynolan.org/cordA BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. SONIA AND TOBY. X