September marks an exciting month in the AFL with eight teams set to battle for the premiership cup. For Emma Borlace, September will mark her second stem cell transplant as she undergoes treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
One in three people will need blood in their lifetime and according to the 25-year-old, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Official Partner of the Sydney Swans) has saved her life in more ways than one.
“I had been studying in Wagga Wagga studying veterinary science for the last five years,” Borlace explained to Sydney Swans Media.
“I went in to donate plasma for the first time at the Wagga Wagga Lifeblood Donor Centre. In the days that followed I ended up being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia."
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, according to the Leukaemia Foundation. ALL is characterised by an overproduction of immature white blood cells, called lymphoblasts or leukaemic blasts with 300 adults and children diagnosed in Australia each year.
Borlace and her partner Hugh Morrison were forced to relocate to Sydney for treatment which has included monthly chemotherapy as well as a stem cell transplant. In the week of the interview, she had six blood transfusions after relapsing in March.
“The reality for me with treatment is that I need those transfusions all the time,” Borlace revealed. “I wouldn't be able to do my treatment and get through day-to-day without the donations of kind people.”
Her condition encouraged Morrison to donate and while he admitted it was challenging to start, the experience is quick and easy.
“It's a tiny little prick in your arm and then you're done,” he said. “Seven minutes later, get a free milkshake, sit there for 20 minutes and then they'll let you go.”
“I couldn't be prouder of [Emma’s] positive mentality through everything. It’s definitely an inspiring process to look at someone who's going through this.”
Hailing from South Australia Borlace is naturally an Adelaide Crows supporter while NSW born Morrison barracks for the Sydney Swans. The AFL has provided a mental escape for the couple while they navigate hospital visits.
“I’ve loved coming to a few games this year. Em got to come to one which was nice. Hopefully we can convert her to a Swans fan and get her to a few more games.”
While the future is unclear for Borlace and Morrison the couple say they’re grateful for the outpouring of support they’ve received so far. Borlace is just one of many patients that will require a stem cell transplant – only 30% of patients have a match in their family.
Blood donors aged 18-35 years are encouraged to join the Australian Stem Cell Donor Registry at their next appointment.
“It's just another blood sample when you go in to donate blood. They then put that on a Registry and people like myself and so many other people that do need life-saving stem cell transplants then can hopefully find a match,” Borlace explained.
Find out more about donating blood to helpmore people like Emma, HERE.
