How you could help save Brisbane father of two

Young Australians have been urged to take an extra two-minute step at the blood bank in a bid to save the life of a Brisbane father of two.

Young Australians have been urged to take an extra two-minute step at the blood bank and add their name to the stem cell register in a bid to save the life of a Brisbane father of two.

Liam O’Brien was diagnosed with leukaemia six months ago after his 40th birthday and, like many other people living with blood cancer, he relies on a crucial stem cell donation from a suitable match. Liam’s Life-saving List was created to find his donor.

The campaign was started on social media by family and friends and quickly gained the attention of Australian celebrities, politicians and business owners who used their influence to urge more people (aged between 18-35) to join the register.

Liam and Josephine O’Brien with their two children.

Liam’s wife Josephine said the simple task of adding your name to the stem cell register list when giving blood can be scary but important for those living with blood cancer.

“Finding a stem cell match is like finding a needle in a haystack. Australia has one of the lowest stem cell registers in the world. We need as many names as possible, not just for Liam, but for so many in critical need.” Mrs O’Brien said.

Liam O’Brien, a Brisbane father of two, is behind the viral campaign called The Life-saving List urging 18-35 year old blood donors to take an extra two-minute step at the blood bank and add their name to the stem cell register. Picture: Supplied

Currently 135,000 Australians live with blood cancer or a blood related disorder and more than 5950 lose their lives each year. Eighty per cent of Australians living with blood cancer rely on overseas donors, which can be costly.

“We’re hoping Liam’s Life-saving List sheds a light on the simplicity of joining the register, with one small extra blood donation,” Mrs O’Brien says.

Josephine O’Brien, pictured with Liam and their two children, said finding a stem cell match was like finding a needle in a haystack.