The family of a brave four-year-old Perth girl is in a desperate race against time, appealing to the public to help find a stem cell donor match for their daughter who is battling an aggressive form of leukaemia.
A Devastating Diagnosis and a Critical Search
Harper Nicoll, a vibrant and energetic child from Perth, was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in March 2024. After initially responding well to chemotherapy, her family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned. Her doctors have now confirmed that Harper's best chance for a cure is a stem cell transplant, but a matching donor must be found first.
Harper's mother, Sarah Nicoll, described the emotional rollercoaster of the past year, watching her daughter endure intense treatments only to face this new setback. "We were shattered," she said. "To hear the words 'relapse' and 'transplant' is every parent's worst nightmare." The family's hope now rests on the kindness of strangers, as neither Harper's parents nor her six-year-old brother are a match for the life-saving procedure.
The Community Rallies to Help
In response to the family's urgent plea, a major donor drive has been organised in Perth. The drive will take place on Saturday, 15 February 2025, at the Bullsbrook Indoor Sports Centre. The process for potential donors is simple and involves a quick cheek swab to register with the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
Organisers are specifically calling on individuals aged between 18 and 35 to register, as younger donors provide better long-term outcomes for recipients. The ideal match for Harper is most likely to be someone of Caucasian and Northern European descent, reflecting her own ancestry. However, officials encourage people from all backgrounds to register, as they could save the life of Harper or another patient in need.
How You Can Become a Potential Lifesaver
Becoming a stem cell donor is a profound act of generosity. For those unable to attend the Perth drive, registering is still possible online through organisations like Strength to Give. The initial registration kit is mailed to your home. If you are identified as a potential match for Harper or anyone else, further tests are conducted before the final donation procedure.
Stem cell donation is often a non-surgical process similar to donating blood plasma. The family's message is one of hope and urgency. "We are begging the community to help us," Sarah Nicoll stated. "By taking a few minutes to swab your cheek, you could give our little girl the chance to grow up. You could give us our future back."
The story of Harper Nicoll highlights the critical importance of donor registries in the fight against blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Her family remains hopeful that within the wider Australian community, their daughter's perfect match is waiting to be found.
