OMD staff join blood cancer fight

Media agencies may have a reputation for being populated by loud, brash chancers who like nothing more than to hammer you down on an ad deal but a group from OMD are the exception that proves the rule after taking time out of work to check if any of them hold a cure for cancer.
In the first of a series of drives across the global network, staff at OMD’s London Kings Cross office are taking part in a scheme to see if their tissue type matches with anyone in need of a blood stem cell donation to treat their blood cancer.
The initiative is being organised by new charity Race Against Blood Cancer, which is focused on increasing the volume and diversity of potentially life-saving stem cell or bone marrow donors.
This means focusing on registering people who are currently underrepresented on the donor registries, including individuals from ethnic minorities or dual heritage.
Race Against Blood Cancer has partnered with Delete Blood Cancer UK, the official charity that recruits potential blood stem cell donors, which OMD staff will join. Once signed-up, these individuals will remain registered and available to make a potentially life-saving blood stem cell donation until they are aged 61.
For many people with a blood cancer, a donation of blood stem cells from another person enables their body to develop a healthy immune system and is their best chance of staying alive. People of all ages are saved every day as a result of this procedure.
Ashlie Caddick, donor recruitment manager at Delete Blood Cancer UK, said: “With so many of those in need of a life-saving blood stem cell donation not finding the match they need it is crucial that we increase the pool of potential donors. That’s why it’s wonderful the staff at OMD are taking the time to help those trying to find matching donors who could save their lives.”
Chloe Hawking, director at OMD and representative of Race Against Blood Cancer, added: “Unfortunately the more diverse someone’s ethnicity, the more difficult it is to find a match. London is such a melting pot of ethnicities so we are hoping our efforts can increase every patient’s chance of finding a match. This OMD office was an obvious choice for a donor drive – due to its international focus and recruitment approach, there are over 300 staff with 30 nationalities, making the team an ideal group of potential donors.”
To register online and request an at-home cheek swab kit, visit the Delete Blood Cancer UK website >