Mum diagnosed with rare blood cancer given lifeline after two stem cell donors found in US

A mum diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer has been given a lifeline after two donors were found in the US.

Rachael Nixon from Kirkcaldy, 39, was told trying to find a match would be like “finding a needle in a haystack”.

As a mum to one-year-old Daisy, she was devastated to learn she’d been diagnosed with myelofibrosis in October 2024.

Roughly 300 people in the UK are diagnosed with myelofibrosis each year.

In November, she told STV News: “I now have a full new chapter ahead of me and that’s being a mum, and I want to continue being a mum.

“The thought that I might not be here for Daisy is terrifying.”

The charity said finding donors can be like finding a needle in a haystack and just 2.4% of the eligible population in Scotland are registered to become a potential donor.

But against the odds, the milliner has been told that not one but two potential donors have been found – both in America.

“When I came off the call I still couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“The whole time that I’ve been unwell I’ve been conditioned to accept bad news, because there hasn’t been any good news.

“It wasn’t until the next morning when I woke up happy and I thought I haven’t had this kind of happy feeling and relief for a while.

“I’ve got a spring back in my step, and now that I know I’m probably going to live, it’s a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Both potential donors have responded positively, and it’s hoped that surgery can happen later this year.

It’s estimated Rachael will spend between one and two years recovering from the “gruelling” treatment.

“They want me to be as healthy as possible as there’s a high risk of the body trying to reject the transplant,” she added.

“It’s going to be a tough time knowing the next year or two I’ll not have the best of lifestyles, but it’s two years out my life. It’s going to be worth it in the end.”

Rachael Nixon wants to see her daughter Daisy grow up STV News

Rachael is also immensely proud that her campaign for more donors has been a big success.

Just 2.4% of the eligible Scottish population are signed up to become a potential donor with the blood cancer charity DKMS.

But since Rachael shared her story, more than 3,000 people have undergone the process of joining the list – which can start with a simple cheek swab.

And while Daisy may not know the significance of what is happening now, Rachael hopes documenting her story will serve as a reminder in the future.

Rachael said: “Every day I thought, what will Daisy do without me? What’s going to happen to her? I tried to stay positive.

“I hope that I can go back and show her those videos and show her how much I wanted to be with her.

“And when she’s older she’ll be able to tell her friends about what I’ve been through and hopefully influence her and her friends to go and join the register.”

DKMS spokesperson Deborah Hyde said: “It’s so wonderful to see somebody who in their own hour of need is thinking about other people.

“And encouraging other people to join the stem cell register.”