School hosts stem cell drive for teacher battling leukaemia

IN a heartfelt effort to support their beloved teacher, Tracy McKenna, who is bravely battling leukaemia, Denamona Primary School in Fintona is organising a crucial event to find a stem cell donor.

Tracy was diagnosed with leukaemia last May, and, despite undergoing intensive chemotherapy, the cancer returned in January. Now, the mother-of-two urgently requires a stem cell transplant, prompting the school to rally the local community to aid her in this critical time.

School principal, Janet Burke, expressed the profound impact that Tracy has had on the school community, stating, “Tracy isn’t just a colleague; she is our friend.

“She is a kind and generous person, who, even in the hospital, keeps in touch and asks how the kids are. It is hard to put into words what she means to the school.”

The upcoming event aims to facilitate the process of finding a match for Tracy’s stem cell transplant.

Mrs Burke outlined the simplicity of becoming a donor, highlighting the non-invasive nature of the procedure. She explained, “Getting tested is an entirely non-invasive procedure. It is just a gentle swab of the cheek and is not as uncomfortable as a Covid test.”

Following coverage of Tracy’s story by the UH and our website, WeAreTyrone, blood cancer charity, DKMS, reached out to Tracy’s family, offering assistance.

DKMS will conduct blood and bone marrow tests at the event, with hopes of finding a suitable donor. Tracy’s family members were tested, but unfortunately, no full matches were found, underscoring the critical need for community support in this endeavor.

Three separate drives will be held by DKMS in the coming days: One will take place on March 15 at Belfast City Hall, followed by another on Saturday at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast. There will be a drive at Denamona Primary School on Saturday, March 23.

Tracy’s older sister, Louise Donnelly, has appealed for local people to come forward as both blood and stem cell donors.

She said, “Our local community is full of kind and caring people; I believe we just need to spread the word to get people on board.

“This process is very similar to just giving blood and has no implications for your health. I urge all of you who are eligible to become stem cell donors to do it!”

For more information on the event on March 15, 16, and 23, you can visit the DKMS Facebook page, or, to register as a donor, you can visit www.dkms.org.uk