Blood donations were crucial to Sebastian’s cancer treatment

For two years, Sebastian relied on blood donors for cancer treatment. Today, he’s a graduate from both the Royal Children’s Hospital and as a Year 12 Dux, aiming to be an oncologist.

To learn why 18-year-old Sebastian changed his passion for dentistry to oncology, you’d have to go back to when he was just nine.
Natalie, his mum, was diagnosed with stage 1 Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2013. The early diagnosis meant her treatment was a success, but it wasn't the last time cancer would affect her.

Family of five, including mum, dad and three sons smiling at the camera with an 18 balloon in the background

Fast-forward to 2022, Seb had a persistent itch and after multiple inconclusive tests, was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. As a high school student, this was not on his Year 10 bingo card.

Seb’s Treatment involved 15 days of chemotherapy followed by a 15-day break , repeated over six months. During his days off Seb often required hospitalisation, receiving six to seven blood transfusions to raise his blood count and prepare for the next round of treatment.

teenage boy wearing a beanie and headphones while looking at a laptop and receiving treatment for cancer

The next few years continued to be filled with hospital visits and online learning for Seb. When he turned 18, he didn’t just graduate from the Royal Children’s Hospital, clear of cancer, but also as his Year 12 Dux.

Although Natalie can’t donate due to her previous diagnosis, her older son and Seb’s dad continue to donate blood and plasma in his honour. They’re forever grateful for the lives impacted through blood donation.

While the average treatment time for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma is eight months, it can last years and require countless blood transfusions. This is why one third of all blood donations are used to fight blood cancer.

By regularly donating, you’re helping maintain Australia’s blood supply and ensuring people like Seb receive the treatment they need.