Australian Jew donates stem cells to unknown recipient

An Australian Jewish man donated his stem cells to a Jewish patient who is believed to be dying of a rare blood disorder.

Craig Rosen, 42, of Melbourne began donating his stem cells three months ago and underwent procedures until May 20, Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper reported. The stem cells were called a perfect match.

“It is rare for a complete stranger to match someone they’ve never met,” said Yehuda Kaplan of the Gift of Life Australia.

Usually a genetic match is easiest to find from blood relatives or within the same ethnic group.

“This patient I helped was overseas somewhere and there was no match from his family,” Rosen told the Herald Sun. “I know when they reach out around the world it’s because the person has no other chance for survival.”

He added, “I’m very humbled by the fact that I was given the opportunity to save someone. This is somebody’s child, somebody’s sibling, somebody’s parent … a few days of discomfort for me, big deal.”

The recipient’s personal details remain confidential, but if the stem cell donation is successful, Rosen may meet his recipient.