Single Mom of 2 with Rare Form of Cancer Says There’s Just 1 Person In the World Who Can Save Her Life

A single mom is sharing her rare health diagnosis after learning there is only one matching donor whose stem cells could potentially save her life.

In September 2025, Sian Chathyoka became the only patient in the Welsh cities of Swansea and Cardiff diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, according to the charity Anthony Nolan. Doctors have told her she will need a stem cell transplant from a “selfless stranger” to have a chance at survival, and she’s now calling on people worldwide to register as donors.

Chathyoka, 56, is a mother of two children, ages 18 and 13. Before her diagnosis, she lived an active outdoor life — swimming in the sea year-round and running her family’s seaside campsite. But that changed suddenly.

“Since August, I’ve just been lying in bed because I’ve had no energy,” she said, describing intense fatigue that left her unable to carry out daily tasks. “I’ve had such a level of fatigue, I haven’t been able to do anything, and it’s been quite scary,” she told the charity.

Myelofibrosis (MF) occurs when “a blood cell — a stem cell — transforms into a cancer cell,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. As malignant cells multiply, they can crowd out healthy blood production and release substances that harm the bone marrow.

Doctors still don’t fully understand what triggers the disease, and symptoms can take years to show up, the healthcare provider notes. Fatigue and a heavy feeling in the upper left abdomen — often linked to an enlarged spleen — are among symptoms that may gradually worsen over time.

Chathyoka said she first grew concerned when “extreme fatigue” made it impossible for her to keep up with the outdoor routine she once loved, per Anthony Nolan. After noticing she had unintentionally lost five pounds, she sought medical advice and was quickly referred for further tests.

“They came back and they were scattered all over the place,” she said of the results.

A CT and MRI scan later revealed an enlarged spleen, and she was referred to the haematology department, which focuses on blood and bone marrow disorders. There, she received her diagnosis: aggressive myelofibrosis.

“I couldn’t stop crying,” she said, per Anthony Nolan. “My condition is very rare and I’ve been told my disease is aggressive as well.”

“It’s very difficult to be upbeat and positive,” she added. “It’s absolutely petrifying. But you’ve got to forget about that and be positive.”

Since her diagnosis, Chathyoka has required weekly blood and platelet transfusions, along with treatment intended to shrink her enlarged spleen. This month, she learned there is only one suitable donor match on the worldwide register — a discovery that brings both hope and urgency.

“I’m lucky. I’m grateful that there is the possibility of a cure through a stem cell transplant,” she said.

She also said the experience has shown her how little many people understand about stem cell donation.

“What I have realized throughout this process is that nobody knows about stem cell transplants. A lot of my friends didn’t have a clue,” she said. “That’s why I want to raise awareness by sharing my story.”

“Just signing up to the register, you can literally save a life,” she added. “I feel really emotional because that’s as powerful as it is.”

Stem cells can be collected from bone marrow, peripheral stem cells and umbilical cord blood, according to the American Cancer Society. Donors typically answer health questions and undergo an assessment and blood testing before donating.

Chathyoka has partnered with Anthony Nolan on the “SignUpForSian” campaign, hoping more people will join the worldwide register and increase the odds of finding additional matches for patients in need.