Live Preston & Fylde Issue 108 (September 2022)

BAND OF BROTHERS

Alex Christopher, who signed up to the DKMS stem cell register four years ago, went on to save the life of US-based Patrick Languzzi, with whom he has since forged a strong friendship, writes Jan Woolley

Nat West compliance manager Alex Christopher has a remarkable story to tell – so let’s start at the beginning. Four years ago, his good friend, mentor and work colleague Peter McCleave was diagnosed with myloma – a former of blood cancer.

“We asked what we could do to help,” recalls Alex. “Peter half-jokingly said, ‘Join the stem cell donor register’.”

DURING THE CELEBRITY GALA IN LONDON ALEX, PATRICK AND PETER WENT ON STAGE TO TELL THE AUDIENCE ABOUT THEIR INCREDIBLE STORY

The DKMS foundation is the biggest stem cell register in the UK. It has registered over 900,000 blood stem cell donors to date and has helped to give over 1,700 people a second chance at life. Stem cell donorship helps those with blood cancer and blood disorders.

When Peter suggested Alex join the register, Lancashire-born Alex took the suggestion totally seriously and he joined the register so that maybe he could help someone. Surprisingly, Alex was found to have a 100 per cent match with someone in the US – and he went on to save the life of Patrick Languzzi a stage and film actor from Massachusetts.

When Alex was told he had a match his reaction was almost disbelief: “It was a bit overwhelming. It is quite scary knowing you have the potential to save someone’s life.”

Patrick had undergone a particularly aggressive form of chemotherapy to treat blood cancer and the chemo had killed off his stem cells – medics gave him a three per cent chance of survival.

However, since Alex donated his stem cells, Patrick’s doctors are amazed at his recovery and have now pronounced him cancer-free.

Meanwhile, back in the UK Peter, who is still awaiting a match, launched a one-man campaign urging people to join the DKMS register, and he got a phenomenal response – 100,000 people joined resulting in 17 matches with people around the world benefitting from Peter’s campaign: “He has literally changed 17 lives,” adds Alex.

During a recent DKMS glittering gala in London, Alex and colleague Peter met Patrick for the first time: “It was a very emotional experience,” says Alex. “Patrick has started acting again and has also returned to the gym. He is a medical marvel!”

At the fund-raising gala, which was attended by celebrities and influencers in a bid to help in the DKMS campaign to recruit more stem cell donors, Alex, Patrick and Peter went on stage to tell the audience about their incredible story.

“They called us the Band of Brothers because of the close bond and friendship we have forged between us. We are all passionate about the campaign to recruit more donors.”

Since Patrick’s visit to the UK, he has returned to the US to emulate Peter’s drive to recruit thousands of donors across America.

“Donating stem cells is a very simple process. A lot of people have the

misconception that it involves painful surgery but science has come a long way,” says Alex. “You apply to join the register and you initially are sent three swabs that are taken from the inside of your cheek. Just a few months later I was told that I had a perfect 100 per cent match with Patrick.”

PATRICK HAS STARTED ACTING AGAIN AND HAS ALSO RETURNED TO THE GYM. HE IS A MEDICAL MARVEL!

DKMS arranged for Alex and his wife to go to London where he underwent a peripheral blood stem cell procedure – whereby blood is taken from one of the donor’s arms, a machine extracts the stem cells and the donor’s blood is then returned to them through the other arm.

“It is a simple painless procedure,” says Alex. “Ninety per cent of stem cells are now donated in this way.

“Before the procedure, which took four hours, I was given medication to boost my stem cell production, so you are simply donating the surplus.”

Alex, who is married to Katy and has a one-year-old daughter, recalls: “Katy also signed up to the register when she came to London with me. My family have been really supportive.”

On reflection Alex could not believe how simple the donation procedure was – and the incredible outcome: “It was unbelievable. Part of me still can’t compute the magnitude of it.”

Taking the first steps to register as a potential donor is simple. If you are between 17 and 55 and in general good health you can sign up for a home swab kit online, which can be returned in a pre-paid envelope to DKMS and your details will be added to the register. •

Go to: dkms.org.uk