A FINTONA mum-of-two has appealed to people to become blood and stem cell donors in a bid to help her find a cure for her condition. 

Tracy McKenna, who is a teacher at Denamona Primary School, first began to feel unwell in April of last year. 

Fatigue, bruising and headaches led way to a persistent temperature and breathlessness. 

What was first thought to be anaemia revealed something much more worrying - leukaemia.

The diagnosis at only 34-years-old came as a massive shock to Tracy, her husband Mark, and her two kids, Darragh (4) and Katie (2).

She was immediately transferred to Belfast City Hospital for a bone marrow biopsy, confirming she had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).

Following undergoing treatment, including four rounds of intensive chemotherapy, Mrs. McKenna was told in early January that her Leukaemia had returned. 
 
She remains in hospital, receiving daily blood and platelet transfusions, hopinf that her blood counts to recover so she can get a bone marrow biopsy to see if chemotherapy has put her into remission.  

Mrs. McKenna said the situation has put into perspective the importance of giving blood to save lives. 

"As a family we are so thankful for those of you who have become blood donors," she said. "It isn’t until someone you know has been affected like this can you really comprehend the importance of giving blood to help save lives. 

"There are three main stem cell donor registers in the UK but you only have to register with one as they share matching information anonymously.

"A simple cheek swab can help determine whether you’re a close bone marrow match for a patient. A stem cell donation is not an intrusive procedure."

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time the family circle has been impacted by cancer. Mrs. McKenna's father, Alan passed away in July 2020 from Non Hodgkin Lymphoma blood cancer, having been diagnosed just a week previous. 

Meanwhile her sister, Diane, is has battled  breast cancer twice, having first been diagnosed at only age 35.

However, these experiences have brought the family circle closer, and Mrs. McKenna said she was "very fortunate" to have a strong family support system around her. 

"I am very fortunate to come from such a loving and caring family who have adapted their lives to help look after my kids, visit me and support Mark," she said.

"A special mention to my mum for her meals on wheels, and I would be lost without them all and my childminder Claire who has treated my kids as if they are her own. 

"I am also very grateful for the staff at 10 North who work incredibly hard and continue to care and support me through my  treatment.

"Lastly, I would like to thank my amazing and loving husband who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders."

The community have also rallied around the McKenna family at this worrying time. 

Mrs. McKenna paid particular tribute to Mrs Burke, principal of Denamona Primary school, for raising awareness of blood and stem cell donations through the school’s Facebook account. 

"A lot of people have become blood donors as a result of posts," Mrs. McKenna said. "I  really miss the pupils and staff of Denamona Primary. They are my extended family.

"We will be forever grateful for their love and support through their continued prayers."

Anyone aged age 16-30, who would like to become a donor should contact Anthony Nolan on www.anthonynolan.org.