Munich – Initially shortness of breath and a slight fever. However, when Stephan R. (51) went to the doctor, he did not expect the diagnosis to suddenly change his life. On September 1, he was diagnosed with a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Now he hopes for a life-saving stem cell donation.
“It was a shock, from then on everything was different,” said the managing director Munich along with time. It feels like a different life. With the diagnosis Cancer The daily life of his patchwork family of 6 changes drastically.
Stephan R. is a passionate skier. However, since that diagnosis, exercise has been out of the question
Two children have lost their mother
“When the blood test results came out, I had to leave immediately HOSPITAL“, recalled Stephan R. The form of leukemia he suffered from is very rare. Only one in 100,000 patients is diagnosed with AML. He was then hospitalized for five weeks and received chemotherapy.
A patchwork family photo from carefree times: Stephan with his partner Nina and children Clara (second from left, Justus, Marie, and Leo (bottom)
“I can always go home once in a while, but I have to take care of myself.” The 51-year-old man’s immune system was weakened. He can’t get sick. For example, he has to wash his hands every time after petting the family’s dog, Molly. “All plants must also be removed from the house.”
When one of the daughters had a bad cold, the girl had to be transferred temporarily. In addition, Stephan R. continues to weaken.
Stephan R. before his illness. “Fortunately, I am fit. This has given me more resilience in fighting cancer.”
R. becomes thoughtful: “You are overwhelmed by the situation and ask yourself: What does this mean for the future?” But no matter how serious the diagnosis, the prognosis is positive. “leukemia can be cured. “But you have to find a stem cell donor,” he said.
Stem cell donation campaign on Saturday in Munich
That’s why his colleague Nina G. (41) organized together DKMS is holding an event next Saturday in Munich (13.00, Seidlvilla).. The goal: “We hope 1,000 potential donors will sign up.”
His partner, Nina, and his family give Stephan R a lot of strength
The procedure is simple and painless: “Just a cheek swab is sent. It will then be determined if you are a suitable candidate.” And the donation itself is usually only a blood sample.
Nina G. said: “Many people have barriers, but this is completely harmless. The effort to register is very small. Our losses would be much greater.”
Stephan R.’s two children lost their mother 15 years ago. “My first wife died suddenly of an aneurysm. So my children were very scared.”
