A stem cell transplant could save Nim’s life, but he needs a matching donor — and it could be YOU.
At just 28, Nim was thriving and in the best shape of his life, having just completed the New York City Marathon. But in November 2024, he started to find it difficult to breathe. Within days of undergoing tests, he was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and life-threatening blood cancer.

Nim shares: “I am at a critical point in my cancer journey. My specialists think I may need a stem cell transplant to survive, but unfortunately the chances of me finding a perfect match are low. 
“A perfect match would give me the best chance of survival, but because stem cell matches are based on ethnicity, this will be harder for me to find. People of Sri Lankan heritage — like me — are severely underrepresented in global registries. 

"But this is bigger than just me. What started as a plea to find my match has become a mission to help every person, everywhere, facing blood cancer. Will you help? You could save my life — or that of a complete stranger desperately waiting for a donor like you.
“With my family having connections across the globe, we want to let people know they can join a worldwide chain of hope by joining the stem cell register."
Nim’s brother, Abay, adds: “We really want to raise awareness about how easy the process is for donors, but the outcome could be immeasurable for people like my brother. Plus, stem cell registries are all linked globally — so, by registering, you could be a lifeline for someone, anywhere in the world.”

It costs DKMS £40 to register each potential lifesaver, and give more people with blood cancer or blood disorders a second chance of life.

We rely on the generosity of our supporters to cover this cost, so please donate today.

For other ways to support DKMS, visit our website.