Teen stem cell donor a first
We have written about donating blood and organs which is restricted in most states to those over 18. Some, with the consent of a parent, allow donation for those 16 and 17.
Victoria Rathmill is 17 years old and lives in England. A family friend was diagnosed with leukemia so Victoria became a member of a bone marrow registry in early 2013. She signed up without telling her mother who was pleased with her daughter’s willingness to help others.
Victoria Rathmill (photo by Anthony Nolan & Andrew Aitcheson)
In November, 2013, Victoria became the youngest person to donate stem cells to a nonrelative. She commented that she would consider donating again. “It’s just like giving blood,” she told the media. “I would do it again because it’s not that difficult. It’s just a couple of days out of your life to save somebody else’s.”
England’s law regarding age differs from those in the States but becoming a donor is something to think about as you get older. Kudos to Victoria!!
