Ipswich woman tracks down American steam cell donor

Christine Smylie is one of countless people who owe their lives to stem cell donation.

In May 2018, Christine had booked a GP appointment, where she mentioned that she had been struggling to catch her breath.

A blood test was arranged for a few days later – and at quarter to midnight that night, a doctor called her to tell her that she was seriously ill. She was later diagnosed with leukaemia.

Christine first realised there was a problem with her health in May of 2018. Image: Christine Smylie (Image: Christine Smylie)

Over the next few months, Christine underwent surgery and several bouts of chemotherapy. She was in remission for a while, but in 2019, the illness returned and she found herself needing a stem cell transplant.

Fortunately, the Anthony Nolan charity had managed to find her a 100% match from America. Although Christine didn’t know it at the time, the donor’s name was Cindy Key.

Cindy had been on the register for 10 years when the call came in, having signed up when a former student was diagnosed with leukaemia.

On December 10, 2019, Cindy and her husband, Robbie, flew from their home in Alabama to a hospital in Washington for the cells to be harvested.

On December 11, Christine was lying in Addenbrooke's Hospital, watching the stem cells dripping into her. She is now in remission.

Cindy and her husband flew to Washington, where the stem cells Christine so desperately needed were harvested. Image: Cindy Key (Image: Cindy Key)

The day after Cindy had made her donation, Christine received the stem cells that saved her life. Image: Christine Smylie (Image: Christine Smylie)Cindy, pictured with her husband Robbie. Christine said that now, Cindy feels more like a sister. Image: Cindy Key (Image: Cindy Key)

While donors are kept anonymous until the donation is complete and successful, afterwards, Christine was determined to thank Cindy.

However, between the pandemic and Christine’s initial letters and emails going astray, the women were not able to get in touch until February this year, when Cindy emailed Christine to say she would love to correspond.

“I was in tears when I read that, and when I think about it, I still feel quite tearful – happy, emotional tears,” said Christine.

After just a few weeks, the two women have found a host of things they have in common: both built careers supporting people with learning disabilities; both have faith; and both love the smell of coffee, but can’t abide the taste.

Christine said that to her, Cindy is far more than a donor.

“She’s my new sister," she said. "We’re blood sisters.”

Could you sign up to become a stem cell donor? Visit: www.anthonynolan.org if under 30, and www.dkms.org.uk if aged over 31