Meet the Team behind AMM!
We thought we would write a little something to introduce ourselves and why we are here.
Our family member, Ned, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, at the age of 21, in November 2018. He needed a bone marrow transplant for his treatment and there was a few nerve racking months while we waited to hear if there was a donor match. Incredibly a match was found overseas and the donors stem cells were flown over to Australia for the transplant. We are so grateful for the amazing person who donated to help our family all the way across the world.
What we realised, having gone through this process with Ned, was the Australian Bone Marrow Registry was very limited and on further investigation was becoming more depleted each year. At the time the only way to register was by giving blood, which for young people in particular was a time consuming and complicated process.
Family and Friends at Light the Night
We therefore started Australian Marrow Match in 2019 as a campaign to educate and create awareness about the need for potential bone marrow donors in Australia. Through social media, our ambassadors and engaging clubs and organisations we are aiming to tell people about the process of registering and how donation works. There has always been a slight stigma about donating bone marrow as being painful and difficult however this has all changed. It is now just a cheek swab to register and the donation is almost always like donating blood! Ultimately our goal is increase the number of people on the Australian Bone Marrow Registry. Register here.
We have been working hard over the past few years to create some awareness about the need for more stem cell donors in Australia. One of our proudest achievements was the Australian Marrow Match Awareness Match in Tasmania, which was a footy match between Lauderdale and North Hobart Football Clubs. We headed down to Tassie, decked out in our AMM t-shirts, and listened to Mark Reid, one of our Ambassadors, talk to the boys about this amazing cause. We handed brochures and information and the event was a huge success with lots people accessing our website and registering to become potentials donors. You can see some of the pictures from the day above!! We really look forward to doing many more events like these in the future to raise more awareness.
Now meet the Team behind Australian Marrow Match!
Holly
Why did you join?
I helped found AMM after my cousin Ned, who is my age, was diagnosed with Leukaemia and needed a stem cell transplant. I also joined the Bone Marrow Registry to help others like him.
What are some of your interests?
Netball, Baking & Sewing
Tell us one fact about yourself?
I am currently studying to be an Osteopath and Pilates Teacher
What do you do at AMM?
I run the social media for AMM and update the website!
Gill
Why did you join?
I helped to set up AMM after my nephew Ned was diagnosed with AML and could not find a bone marrow match in Australia. I realised we needed to get the word out there about how easy it is to register and become a donor.
What are some of your interests?
Tennis, My dogs (Lola & Tessa) and Words with Friends
Tell us one fact about yourself?
I was born in South Africa.
What do you do at AMM?
Co-founder
Jess
Why did you join?
I wanted to join AMM to support a beautiful family spreading awareness about a severe issue that they unfortunately experienced first hand, the devastating repercussions of a loved one not finding a bone marrow match.
With my brother being diagnosed with AML, ALL and a mixed phenotype I have also seen the extremities that patients can face after transplant, and how important it is to find a perfect match. After this and learning more about Ned's experience, it was absolutely astounding to me how few people are available to match patients on the registry. AMM is an incredible charity looking to encourage as many as possible to join the registry with the ultimate goal of making sure there is always a match by increasing donor registrations as a perfect match really can save a life.
What are some of your interests?
I’m a weird person who actually loves my job, my dog, and I love to surf, play basketball, and go for long beach walks!
Tell us one fact about yourself?
If I had one talent to be remembered by, it would be poaching eggs!
What do you do at AMM?
I help with the Social Media and Blog posts!
NICKY
Why did you join?
My family set up AMM after my nephew Ned was diagnosed with AML and could not find a stem cell donor in Australia. We realised the registry of those willing to donate was so small compared to other countries that it is hard to find a match. We are hoping to change that so other Australians in need can find a lifesaving match.
What are some of your interests?
Family, friends, Travel and my dogs 🐶
Tell us one fact about yourself?
My favourite holiday was to Africa where I was born. Can’t wait to travel back there after the pandemic !
What do you do at Amm?
Co-founder
Giles
Why did you join?
To support our family initiative to encourage people to swab to join the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Register
What are some of your interests?
Music, movies, Richmond footy club, family
Tell us one fact about yourself?
I was once in an 80’s pop video!
What do you do at AMM?
I help with the Social Media
Bella
Why did you join?
I got involved because of my family connection with this issue, my background in biomedicine and my interest in public health.
What are some of your interests?
Netball, cheeseboards, music, the beach
Tell us one fact about yourself?
I got plastic surgery when I was six
What do you do at AMM?
Research Consultant
