Wonneberg, Germany – Tanja, an 18-year-vintage from Bavaria, is urgently seeking a stem cell donor as she battles leukemia. Diagnosed shortly after the new year, Tanja’s life has been consumed by hospital visits and treatment, according to the DKMS, a leading international blood cancer charity.
“Since New Year’s Eve, nothing has been the same,” the DKMS stated on its website. “With only 18 years, Tanja received the diagnosis of leukemia – a shock for her and her whole family.” The organization notes that Tanja, who enjoys animals, travel and had been planning for her future, is now unable to work, socialize, or care for her pet hamster, Molly.
Family and friends are working with the DKMS to uncover a matching donor. A registration drive was held on February 7, 2026, in Waging am Witness, but individuals can still contribute by ordering a registration kit online. Potential donors must be between the ages of 17 and 55, with stem cell donations possible up to age 61.
The registration process involves a simple cheek swab using three cotton swabs, completion of a consent form, and prompt return of the kit to the DKMS, ideally within 14 days. Financial contributions are also vital, as the DKMS incurs costs of 50 euros for each new donor added to the registry.
The DKMS bank account details for donations are: Recipient: DKMS Donor Center gGmbH, IBAN: DE38 7004 0060 8987 0009 56, Purpose: Tanja / LXR 066.
Tanja’s brother, Simon, issued a plea for help, stating, “We don’t give up until Tanja has found her match. But You can’t do it alone. Please, everyone, join in!” He described his sister as incredibly strong and resilient, maintaining her sense of humor and striving for normalcy despite her illness.
Tanja is not the only one in need. The DKMS also highlighted the cases of 16-month-old Jonas and Anna, a mother of two, who are also searching for stem cell donors.
According to the Council of Science Editors, editors have a responsibility to establish clear guidelines for acceptable practices regarding sharing experimental materials and information to replicate research. The DKMS relies on a broad registry to facilitate these potentially life-saving matches.
