The search for a “perfect match” stem cell donor so that Brighton mother of two Nikki Braterman can have an essential bone marrow transplant has become more urgent as her health worsens.
Her family and friends started a global appeal to find a life-saving donor, reaching out on social media.
Last night Geoff Braterman, Nikki’s husband, said: “Nikki’s care plan is rapidly changing and her condition has been deteriorating over the last few days.”
He said that the search for a donor had become increasingly urgent.
Mrs Braterman, 45, had acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed last December.
After undergoing months of treatment, she thought that she was on the road to recovery but has now had a relapse.
For medical reasons, Mrs Braterman’s best hope of survival is to find a donor who is a “perfect match” to her stem cell type.
She is desperately seeking people who share her ethnic background – Anglo-Burmese and Irish – or people with south Asian heritage to volunteer as potential stem cell donors through their national registry.
She said: “I’m a mum to two small children, aged 7 and 4, and I want to see them grow up.
“If you are reading this story and think that you may be able to help then please, please get in touch. You might just be able to save my life.”
Geoff Braterman, her husband, said: “We are desperately and urgently seeking a ‘perfect match’ donor for my beautiful wife Nikki.
“I don’t want to lose her and I don’t want my kids to grow up without their mum.
“Please take a look at our website and share our story on social media.
“The right donor is out there somewhere. We just need to find them quickly.”
Anyone who may be able to help Mrs Braterman is asked to check out their national registry. In Britain, this can be with the Anthony Nolan Trust for people who are 16 to 30 years old, with Delete Blood Cancer or with the British Bone Marrow Registry. Outside Britain, people are asked to check the list of Bone Marrow Registers.
Mrs Braterman is making her appeal through social media including the website www.perfecttenmatch.co.uk, the Facebook page and the Twitter feed @Perfecttenmatch.
