Stem cell donation

Young man from Gmunden becomes a lifesaver after receiving an email

Christof from Gmunden donating to a young patient from the USA.(Bild: Geben für Leben)

When Christof from Upper Austria opened an email on his 20th birthday, he had no idea that he could save a human life. Two years earlier, he had been typed as a potential stem cell donor.

"A classmate at my former school, HTL Steyr, organized a large typing campaign in January 2022," Christof recalls today. "I thought that I would never have anything to do with the subject again." Until the aforementioned email arrived: the stem cells were needed!

Chance of survival for US citizens
Shortly afterwards, the donation was made to a young man from the USA, who has now been given the chance to survive thanks to Christof's stem cells. "I wish the young patient all the best," says the 20-year-old.

Typing campaign at HTL Steyr
A stem cell donation is usually the last resort in the fight against leukemia, other blood diseases or genetic defects. The typing campaign at HTL Steyr was organized by the then head girl together with the "Geben für Leben" association, which has been offering such campaigns in schools together with the Union of Secondary School Students ever since.

Anyone between the ages of 17 and 45 who is physically healthy can be typed with a simple cheek swab. A swab kit can also be ordered for home delivery.