ACLT Charity

London based blood cancer charity. Our aim is to encourage all people, especially those of ethnic minorities, to become stem cell, blood and organ donors to help to save a life. Charity Number 1119516 Company Number 04956925

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Yaassssss we rock! We found another donor! SHARE THIS POST! #HappyFriday!

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Premier Gospel supports the ACLT, how about you?

YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING AMAZING...

The radio ads are playing. Show presenters like Muyiwa and Lady T are talking about ‘IT’ during their shows. However has it dawned on you yet, that YOU could potentially help save a life in need?

As part of God’s work we are encouraging church leaders to spread awareness on the lack of BME (Black Minority Ethnic) donors currently registered on the UK stem cell (bone marrow) register.

By arranging for an ACLT spokesperson to attend Sunday service to address the congregation on the importance of this selfless giving, each church member can help to assist in protecting the lives of the church community and beyond, by simply making a commitment to follow in the same vein as Premier Gospel radio – to raise awareness on the lack of potential donors currently on the stem cell register and to support the lifesaving work of blood cancer charity, ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust).

ACLT’s main aim is to sign up all races onto the stem cell register, with a focus on African and Caribbean individuals, to ensure a lifeline is available to someone who may need it...

...someone like young Aplastic Anaemia patient, FEMI BIYI

Femi Biyi, Comedian Kojo & Orin Lewis CEO & Co-Founder

In April 2013, Femi Biyi was diagnosed with severe Aplastic Anaemia; a threatening blood disorder; he was just 13 years old. Hospital consultants discussed with his parents, devoted Christian church members Tunde and Sarah Biyi, the possibility of Femi receiving a stem cell transplant to cure the blood disorder he was living with at the time. A worldwide search followed the diagnosis, yet sadly no matches could be found. Femi’s sisters had previously been tested as potential matches, however they too were not identified as prospective matches for their beloved brother.

Sadly, when an African or Caribbean person with blood cancer or serious blood disorders desperately needs a lifesaving transplant they have less than a 20% chance of finding the best possible match. For White Northern Europeans (Caucasians) the story couldn’t be more different... they have at best a 90% chance. These statistics can be improved if people of African and Caribbean heritage unite to fight against leukaemia or serious blood disorders by registering to potentially become a stem cell donor for someone in need, like young Femi.

To receive information on how your church can support individuals like young Femi, or to arrange for an ACLT representative to address your church congregation, please email [email protected] with the subject heading #LeadByExample or call ACLT on 020 3757 7700

Premier Christian Radio is broadcasted on MW 1305, 1332, 1413 & 1566 in London and Surrey, DAB nationally, Freeview 725 and via iPhone and Android apps.

Premier Gospel Radio is broadcasted online and across London on DAB digital radio and via iPhone and Android apps.

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4000 deaths a day is 4000 too many! Prevent hepatitis: It's up to you #4000voices #WorldHepatitisDay http://thndr.it/1d9eHve

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African American Bone Marrow Awareness month

African Americans are under-represented on the bone marrow registry - accounting for ONLY 7% of all registrants... 

July is African American Bone Marrow Awareness month, a time to raise awareness and inspire action in the fight against blood cancers like leukemia and blood disorders like sickle cell disease.

7% is not enough.

Heritage matters:

Because a patient's best chance of finding a matching bone marrow donor is with someone of similar ancestry, African Americans with blood cancers and disorders have a harder time finding a lifesaving donor.

Meet Patrick, Huntar and Carl- three patients who are currently waiting to find their match to donate healthy stem cells.

Patrick

Patrick is a young man with big dreams. In 2009, after beating blood cancer as a teenager, he combined his love of design with his experience as a patient to create clothing specifically suited for the needs of cancer patients.

In March, 2015, Patrick learned that he had developed a rare form of leukemia and would now need a bone marrow transplant to survive. Patrick is currently receiving an aggressive treatment regimen to keep him alive while his medical team searches for a matching donor.

Huntar

Huntar is an energetic 10-year-old girl who likes yoga, loves to read, and excels at arts and crafts. In 2013, she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

If not treated, her condition can develop into leukemia. A bone marrow transplant is Huntar's best chance to live a long, healthy life, but her chances at finding a matching donor are challenging.

Carl

Judge Carl Fox has led an active and interesting life: In 1984, he was appointed the first black District Attorney in North Carolina.

In 2005, he became Senior Superior Court Judge and holds the position to this day. He's also well-known for baking delicious cheesecakes and giving them away to people! Carl was recently diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and has used his fight as an opportunity to shed light on the need for more African Americans to join the bone marrow registry. "My chances of a match increase if there are more young African American donors on the registry," said Fox, who launched a Facebook campaign called "Save the Fox" and will be holding bone marrow drives in July.

Let's change this!

Join the movement to save lives and increase the diversity of the registry during African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month

• Get Registered! It's a simple cheek swab or saliva sample. Get started online. • Raise Awareness: Share on social media to let your friends and family know about the crucial need to add more African Americans to the registry

Joining the stem cell register is quick and easy and could save a life! Please register today.

You can sign up with Anthony Nolan if you are between the ages of 16-30 at www.anthonynolan.org/africancaribbean

Alternatively, register with the Delete Blood Cancer UK stem cell register. Age range to join the DBC UK register is 17 to 55 years. http://www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk/en

Email [email protected] for further info or call ACLT offices on office tel no. 020 3757 7700

(Edited words from Delete Blood cancer UK)

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A lovely day ACLT working with AcousticLiveUK, registering new donors and raising awareness at BoxPark in Shoreditch! We met some inspiring people and saw very talented performances. Thank you all for the support! 

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3 cyclists to take part in Prudential Ride London-Surrey for ACLT

Starting from 6 am on Sunday 2nd August, three cyclists will set off on the 100 mile Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 cycle ride to raise funds for ACLT.

Celebrating the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 starts in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. With leg-testing climbs and a route made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the London 2012 Olympics, it's a truly spectacular event for all involved.

Team ACLT riders are Michael Cupid, Kirk Benjamin and Ben Castle.    

Michael Cupid

Michael rode as part of Team ACLT in 2014 and raised £1,450. When invited to return to the saddle this year he said, ‘hell yes’.

He aims to raise £1000 and his employer has promised to match the amount fundraised up to £1000. DONATE HERE to help Michael reach his target.

Kirk Benjamin

Kirk is a keen cyclist and rode for ACLT in the inaugural #RideLondon in 2013 and pedalled his way to fundraising £1318.75.

Ben Castle

Ben is a first time fundraiser and decided to ride for Team ACLT after being told about the charity by his friend, Kirk. He is nervously looking forward to both the riding and fundraising challenge. Ben and Kirk aim to raise a minimum of £1100. DONATE HERE to sponsor them.    

On behalf of the patients ACLT assists, volunteers, patrons and trustees, we say thank you to Michael, Kirk and Ben for participating in this prestigious cycling spectacular to support patients and families awaiting stem cell (bone marrow) and organ transplants. Every penny they raise will go towards registering more stem cell, blood and organ donors.

Thank you for your support 

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I know how kind & caring everyone on here is so I just thought I would share this post about a little girl who is very close to some of my family- it would be so appreciated if people could spread her story, and it would be extra amazing if people signed up as a donor (http://www.teammargot.com/how-to-register/)

Our beautiful daughter Elsie, nearly 2.5, is fighting cancer. Elsie was first diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia when she was 20 months old. She underwent 4 rounds of chemotherapy over a period of 6 months and went home in remission in April this year. In June this year we got the news we feared the most that she had relapsed and the cancer was back. Because she has relapsed so quickly after her initial treatment her only chance is a bone marrow transplant. Elsie has Downs Syndrome which makes a bone marrow transplant more difficult so an exact match is required. Elsie doesn’t have any siblings who can provide an exact match so we are relying on a match being found from the general population. We are pleading to everyone to register as a bone marrow donor to give Elsie, and others requiring a bone marrow transplant, the best chance to find a timely match. We would like to encourage people from an ethnic minority/mixed race background to register as the donor pool for these backgrounds is very small. All registers around the world are monitored for a match so please register if you can. How to register: http://www.teammargot.com/how-to-register/ Please consider donating the umbilical cord blood at the birth of your child as this could also provide a viable match for Elsie.

See the ‘Match for Elsie’ Facebook page for more details.

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Help find a match for Elsie - #MatchForElsie

An appeal has been launched for Elsie, a beautiful little girl from Islington in London. 



Elsie, who is two and a half years old, has Myeloid Leukaemia in Down's Syndrome (MLDS). She was diagnosed in October last year and went into remission following treatment. Unfortunately, she has now relapsed and needs a blood stem cell donation to get better.

 An only-child, Elsie doesn't have any siblings who could have a matching tissue-type and donate blood stem cells to her. She is therefore dependent on finding a matching donor amongst those who have registered to be on standby to donate blood stem cells. Her mixed English and Indian heritage will make it harder for a matching donor to be found for her. Elsie is being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Her parents say that, despite her illness, she is a very happy little girl and loves nothing more than playing in the park. Watch this short video to learn more about Elsie. Her parents, Arun and Helen Kumar, are launching the appeal because they want to raise awareness of blood stem cell donation and help save the lives of all those in need of a stem cell donation.



Please register as a potential stem cell donor to help find a match for Elsie and all those in need of a donation for their survival. 

Registering is as simple as providing a cheek swab or saliva sample. If you are aged 16 to 55 and in good general health, you can join the stem cell register one of two ways.

Register to Delete Blood Cancer UK by providing a cheek swab (ages 17-55) (When registering with DBC please choose the ‘ACLT' drop down option under the question How did you hear about us?*')

Register to Anthony Nolan by providing a saliva sample (ages 16-30) (When registering with Anthony Nolan please choose the 'ACLT' drop down option under the question 'What prompted you to join the register today? *')

Thank you

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Teen Kelly Chadwick In The Race Of Her Life

Kelly Chadwick, 15, is a hugely promising sprinter and long-jumper for Sale Harriers who recently won a medal at the prestigious English Schools Championships.

But her joy at track success was rocked when she found out in April that she was suffering with Leukaemia and she has had to put her training on hold while she fights for her life, recently completing her third round of chemotherapy at Liverpool's prestigious Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Kelly's mixed heritage means she is three time less likely to find a donor than others, as her mother is black British and her father is white British.

Kelly came down with a chest infection and was feeling very sick after food. The doctor told us it was just a stomach bug. But then she started sleeping in the afternoons and was even too fatigued to go training - that just wasn't like her. One day she just walked out of the lounge and collapsed. I took her straight into hospital and after doing some tests they told us the news; she had acute myeloid leukaemia. When they said they needed to take her to the teenage unit at Alder Hey right away, that's when it hit home. It was hard to accept that she had cancer because she is so fit. She loves to eat healthily, but now they've told her she needs to get her weight up so she's eating McDonalds and KFC, which feels quite ironic. She's also still trying to do whatever exercise she can in between chemotherapy sessions. The good news is that we've been told that her fitness will make it easier for her to cope with the treatment." Until now, I had no idea about the lack of donors from mixed race backgrounds. I'd heard there were millions of donors on the worldwide registers so assumed we would be fine, but the pool of potential donors from black, Asian and mixed race backgrounds is actually very small. Kelly's life is on the line and we just want to do everything we can to encourage young people from these backgrounds to join the register." - KELLY'S DAD PHIL

While Phil is a 6/10 match and Kelly's mother, Jen Johnson is a 5/10, they are hoping and praying that a total match can be found from donors on the stem cell register, worldwide.

Joining the stem cell register is quick and easy and could save a life! Please register today.

You can sign up with Anthony Nolan if you are between the ages of 16-30 at www.anthonynolan.org/africancaribbean

Alternatively, register with the Delete Blood Cancer UK stem cell register. Age range to join the DBC UK register is 17 to 55 years. http://www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk/en

Visit www.aclt.org to get further info. or call ACLT office on office tel no. 020 3757 7700

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#ACLTsBigThankYou

We end with the gorgeous Hayley! Hayley joined her good friend Davina (from week 1 of #ACLTsBigThankYou!!) at #DansBday1403 registration drive at Global Radio this year, where she registered to be a stem cell donor. Once she had completed her registration, off her own back ventured out into Leicester Square, handing out literature, encouraging passers-by to take a few minutes out of their day in Central London to come in and get swabbed! How wonderful is that?!

Hayley says "The reason I registered and volunteered for ACLT is because I understand the more multicultural our society becomes the greater the challenges the medical society faces in finding a match, especially within the ethnic community, and I don't want a mother to lose her child because I didn't step forward because I listened to a MYTH. I urge you to talk to ACLT about whatever barriers are stopping you taking the 2 second swab. Remember Ubuntu."

Thank you Hayley, you are a star!

If you’re ready to step forward and join the UK stem cell register like Hayley (and Davina!), give us a call on 020 3757 7700 or drop an email to [email protected]

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Co-founder of ACLT, Beverley De-Gale finally meeting with young Keano yesterday. Keano tells Bev "you are an angel to me". Precious! 

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Teen Omar Al Shaikh has 3 months to find a match

Sixteen year-old Omar Al Shaikh has just THREE MONTHS to find a suitable stem cell match. And as he is half Romanian, half Arabic, the hunt is more difficult.

Sports mad Omar, from Merry Hill, is currently receiving chemotherapy at Edgbaston’s Queen Elizabeth hospital. His mum, Mirabela, who sleeps at his bedside has called for people to join the stem cell register.

“I keep crying. He says, ‘stop it, I don’t want you to cry any more’. I am the only parent and I have to be strong,” “Finding a donor is very difficult. Because I am Romanian and Omar’s father is Arabic, it is a mixture between light and dark.”

Omar was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia after passing-out during a football match last Easter. He underwent chemotherapy at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Initially they were told his cancer was in remission, but after four cycles, doctors discovered the aggressive cancer had returned, and Omar now needs to find a stem cell donor match to save his life. “It was a big shock,” said Mum Mirabela. “I didn’t want to believe it. "I was very upset- I was expecting to be told he just had an infection.”

Omar has spent the last two weeks at the QE. He and Mirabela are painfully aware the clock is ticking. Mirabela added: “It was terrible and it was also a big shock for Omar. He is really ambitious and was looking at going to study engineering at college so he was very angry when he learned his leukaemia had come back. He is in shock and he wonders ‘why me?’”

Signing up to the stem cell register is very easy - it just involves providing a saliva sample or cheek swab- but it can make a huge difference. “Think how you would feel if it was your child - you would want everyone to sign up. It is an easy thing to do and you could save a life.”

Omar’s 12-year-old sister is not a suitable match, and so in the meantime he is having three months of chemotherapy to prepare him for a stem cell transplant.

It is particularly important that young men and people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds sign up as they are currently underrepresented on the register. If you are aged 16 to 55 and in good general health, you can join the stem cell register one of two ways.

Register to Anthony Nolan by providing a saliva sample (ages 16-30) (When registering with Anthony Nolan please choose the ‘ACLT’ drop down option under the question 'What prompted you to join the register today? *’)

Register to Delete Blood Cancer UK by providing a cheek swab (ages 17-55) (When registering with DBC please choose the ‘ACLT’ drop down option under the question How did you hear about us?*’)

(Edited wording from Birmingham Mail Online)

PLEASE SPREAD THE MESSAGE AND REBLOG

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UPDATE: 24th June 2015

It's with great sadness that we must announce that brave Omar passed away at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday 22nd June 2015, after becoming a married man.

Omar, 16, had proposed to girlfriend Amie, also 16, just hours after discovering that he only had days left to live. With the permission of their parents, the pair married in an emotional ceremony, surrounded by close family and friends.

It was in March this year that the Birmingham Mail reported that Omar had been told he had just three months to find a suitable stem cell donor- he had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia after fainting during a football match. Because Omar had mixed Arabic and Romanian heritage, finding a match proved extremely difficult, and tragically he ran out of time. After his last round of chemotherapy, doctors broke the news on June 14 that the treatment had been unsuccessful, and Omar was told he only had days left to live.

On Friday June 19, just days after learning that he was dying, Omar and his high school sweetheart married. "Omar said ‘She is always going to be my wife'." Sadly, just three days later, Omar passed away. His funeral took place the morning of the 24th of June.

Friends and family of Omar are urging people to sign up to the Anthony Nolan Register to save others going through the same heartbreak.

The thoughts of all those at ACLT remain with Omar's family and friends during this difficult time. We hope that the bravery and strength of Omar encourages many more people to get signed up to the stem cell register, so that when a person is in need of a stem cell transplant, they won't have to die waiting for a match. Instead, a match will already be there waiting for them.

Please, if you aren't yet on the UK's stem cell register- make a change today.

Register to Anthony Nolan by providing a saliva sample (ages 16-30) (When registering with Anthony Nolan please choose the ‘ACLT’ drop down option under the question 'What prompted you to join the register today? *’)

Register to Delete Blood Cancer UK by providing a cheek swab (ages 17-55) (When registering with DBC please choose the ‘ACLT’ drop down option under the question How did you hear about us?*’)

(Edited wording from Birmingham Mail Online)

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#ACLTsBigThankYou

Today we show our appreciation to all those who we have registered as blood donors! Jason is a great example of a regular blood donor, having donated blood 34 times since 2009!! Jason’s first donation, made in February 2009, was in honour of his dear friend, Daniel De-Gale. Jason says “Following Daniels passing, donating was the most passionate way I could demonstrate my dedication and commitment to both Daniel and the ACLT. Donating gives me a great sense of pride, not only for Daniel but for all those like him. It has been an honour to know Daniel and it is even more of an honour to continue his legacy and promote the endless work of the ACLT, on top of the active campaigning amongst BME groups to increase the all important number of ethnic minorities on the donor register.”

Through Jason’s efforts of raising awareness and inspiring others to donate he has been involved in a four year blood donation research project and a national blood donation campaign. Jason says “Just 10 minutes of your time could save someone else an entire lifetime. If my blood is able to save just one life then it is a life worth saving”, his only regret is not having started to donate sooner.

Jason, you’re a star! If YOU are interested in being a lifesaver like Jason, contact us to find out how to become a regular blood donor! 020 3757 7700, or email us at [email protected]. Thank you! 

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#ACLTsBigThankYou

Meet Yohana! Yohana first joined #TeamACLT as an administrator within ACLT offices, helping out in her down time when she taking a break from studying. Yohana then joined our team of volunteers last year (2014) and has since become one of our ACLT models, featuring in our recent “#BeingAfricanCaribbean..” campaign with Anthony Nolan. Yohana is a pleasure to have as part of the team, and we’re thankful for her support!

ACLT are always welcoming new faces to our volunteer family. If you’d like to get involved and volunteer some of your time give us a call on 0207 3757 7700 or drop an email to [email protected] to find out how. #ACLT'sBigThankYou

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#ACLTsBigThankYou

Good morning #ACLTSupporters! To begin this week we’d like to introduce you to Raph, or as some call him ‘Minus 1 Kidney’! Raph is on the organ donation register so that his organs can be used to save lives after his death. Raph is EXTRA special as he actually made the decision to be a living donor, donating a kidney to a friend in need!

Raph tell us “On May 16th 2015, my donor partner and I quietly celebrated our 8th transplant anniversary. She said to me 'thanks for the good stuff'. It was strange me hearing this, as it’s normally me who says to people I gave her some 'good stuff'. We left it wishing each other, very many more years of good health (and maybe a party for the 10th anniversary). Soon after I realised, I didn't say thanks back to her for the inspiration which lead to some of the greatest adventures of life (with the likes of a Skydive music video, London Marathons, carrying the Olympic Torch and a role in the Olympic Opening Ceremony etc).”

Raph, you’re a superhero! Thank you for being a lifesaver and supporting the work of ACLT! We are truly grateful!

If you’d like to follow in Raph’s footsteps and opt to donate your organs AFTER death, you can join the organ donor register. Give us a call on 0207 3757 7700 or drop an email to [email protected] to find out how. (Please note: becoming a living donor like Raph is DIFFERENT to joining the organ donor register, where you donate organs after death) #ACLTsBigThankYou

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#ACLTsBigThankYou 

Meet #ACLTVolunteer, Melissa! Melissa first heard of ACLT  following a patient media appeal and recruitment drives. Melissa says "I have been a volunteer with other charities but I was drawn specifically to the ACLT as they are London based, aimed at the African /Caribbean community and I could see the actual effects of the work they were doing." Melissa decided to volunteer simply because she wanted to help her community by giving just a few hours of her time a month. In recent years, some of Melissa's friends have sadly been diagnosed with blood cancers, which has made her even more passionate about being involved and helping those in need.

 “Help one another; there's no time like the present and no present like the time.” ~ Quote by James Durst

 If Melissa's selflessness has inspired YOU to volunteer some of your time, please give us a call on 020 3757 7700 or drop us an email [email protected], we'll be happy to hear from you :) 

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Small Charity Week starts today. Share to show your support for small charities across the UK #ILoveSmallCharities http://thndr.it/1dSh32i