Gijs Zebregts, 29, from Breda, was diagnosed with acute leukemia after a year of unusual complaints and was told he needed a stem cell transplant. Within two weeks, a match was found with an anonymous donor who was not a family member. The donor proceeded with the donation, and the transplanted cells appeared to take hold successfully.

Zebregts said he is currently free of detectable leukemia, although his regular scans remain tense. He was allowed to write an anonymous letter to the donor and said the transplant had given him his life back. He is sharing his experience to raise awareness of stem cell donation, while stressing that people should decide for themselves whether to register as donors.