Rowan urgently requires a stem cell donor to beat Leukaemia

Register for Rowan

Rowan Tong-Law 18, was enjoying life as a first-year uni physiotherapy student when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. 

A 6-month course of Chemo hasn’t worked and his only chance now is to have a stem cell transplant. 

An urgent worldwide search is now on to find a matching donor.

If you are 18 – 35 years, WE NEED YOU.

One minute to save a life. Join the Stem Cell Registry…

Registering your details takes one minute, you’ll be sent a cheek swab, which you post back. That’s it.

If you’re found to be a potential match, you’ll be asked to come in to donate some blood.

If are between 18 and 35 yrs, or if you have children, grandchildren, friends or colleagues in this age range, consider this extraordinary opportunity to potentially save a life.

Rowan’s story…

About Rowan…

The youngest of three siblings, Rowan has a big brother and sister, and a dog called Tilly.   

Mum, Bronwyn is a vet who’s worked for a not-for-profit charity for the past 16 years, and Dad, Bob works for the charity Wesley Mission. They are a close family with strong community ties.

High School Days…

Rowan was school captain at his primary school before attending Brisbane Grammar School until 2023, where he embraced every facet of school life. He excelled in rugby, music and volleyball, both as a player and coach. As a prefect Rowan was a leader and a constant source of support for his peers. 

Those deep school bonds remain strong and those mates now have his back and are supporting him through this challenging time.

Uni Life…

In 2024, Rowan began his university journey, studying Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland.  He balanced his studies with a part-time job and continued his involvement with his school by giving back and returning to BGS to tutor current students.

However, in September 2024, Rowan received a life-altering diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

A battle: the last 6 months

Rowan’s life was turned upside down with his diagnosis and the last six months have been marked by intensive chemotherapy and complications, including a heart valve infection and periods of intense hospitalisation. Throughout this ordeal, Rowan's friends and family have been his pillars of support. In a powerful display of solidarity, when Rowan faced the inevitability of hair loss, seventeen of his friends shaved their heads alongside him, easing his transition.

Trying to get back to normal…

Things were looking up and Rowan finished chemotherapy and began a maintenance regimen. He studied through his summer holidays to catch up on 6 months of missed university and in 2025 resumed his studies with his cohort for his second year.  He took on a new role with UQ Rugby, joined a netball team, touch rugby with his school mates and most importantly, he began to enjoy the simple pleasures of life again.

A Stem Cell Transplant is now required

Tragically, recent test results revealed that the chemotherapy was not as successful as hoped.  Doctors have told Rowan he needs a stem cell transplant, which is a reality faced by 1,100 Australians each year. While Rowan's siblings are 50% matches, a full match is crucial for optimal success.  

As a child of a mother with Chinese heritage and a father with Scottish and English heritage, a Eurasian donor will most likely be the best chance of a match.

How you can help…

Australia

In Australia, there are a few ways to see if you're compatible.  

The stem cell donor registry welcomes individuals aged 18 to 35 years. 

Registration is a straightforward process: a simple cheek swab kit is mailed to you. Even those who cannot donate blood may still be eligible to donate stem cells.

The donation process is minimally invasive, similar to a blood donation, and typically requires only a few hours of your time.

Modern techniques have replaced the more invasive bone marrow extraction of the past.  

If you are between 18 and 35, or if you have children, grandchildren, friends, or colleagues in this age range, consider this extraordinary opportunity to potentially save a life. 

By registering, you can offer hope to Rowan and countless others awaiting a life-saving match.

Overseas (not Australia)

Register here if you are overseas and not in Australia.

Through Lifeblood…

Another alternative is through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

How do I register with Lifeblood?

It only takes a few simple steps:

  1. Book a blood donation with Lifeblood

  2. When you arrive in centre, speak to our friendly staff about joining the registry

  3. Give a small blood sample at the same time as your donation

  4. Enjoy a snack on us!

 

Can’t give blood?

You can still register by giving a sample only.

Give us a call on 13 14 95 to learn about your options.

Even if you're not a match for Rowan, you may be a match for someone else, the process takes a minute and may save a life.

“While Rowan's siblings are 50% matches, a full match is crucial for optimal success. As a child of a mother with Chinese heritage and a father with Scottish and English heritage, a Eurasian donor will most likely be the best chance of a match.”

— Bronwyn Tong, Mother of Rowan

 FAQs

  • We’re incredibly grateful to you for wanting to make a difference by donating to Rowan.  Stem Cell Donors Australia are actually trying to recruit younger donors (18-30yo), although they continue to accept new donors up to 35 years of age.  As you are outside this age range they are unfortunately unable to accept you into the Registry. There are a few reasons for this.

     There is scientific evidence that the age of a stem cell donor is one of the most important characteristics influencing patient outcomes, therefore younger people make the most successful donors.  Additionally, older donors are more likely to develop age-related conditions which may mean they cannot donate. For this reason, doctors always select younger donors if they are available.

    Enrolling people on the register who are statistically unlikely to be selected, diverts resources and scientists away from processing the samples of younger volunteers who are more likely to be selected.

    Here is a link to an article which may explain it better: Donor Age Matters Most

    We understand this is frustrating, and whilst you may not be eligible, if you'd still like to help, here’s how:

    • Share the word on social media (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok).

    • Donate to a partner organisation such as those listed here.

    • Alternatively, you could donate blood (provided you meet Red Cross Lifeblood’s eligibility) - many bone marrow patients do require blood transfusions.

    • Recruit any of your eligible friends or family aged 18-35yo. They'll be able to join at a Lifeblood centre or register for swabs.

  • We understand that you want to help Rowan.  We are very hopeful that we find a perfect match. 

    However when you register as a donor, you’re committing to help anyone in need of a stem cell transplant. 

    Your decision to register means you could potentially save the life of someone you’ve never met. 

    Whilst it might not be for Rowan, your help can make a significant difference to the lives of others in need.

  • Registering your details takes one minute, you’ll be sent a cheek swab, which you post back.

    If you are a match, the donation process is minimally invasive, similar to a blood donation, and typically requires only a few hours of your time.

Contact

Please contact us for any questions or media.

Email: registerforrowan@gmail.com

Media Contact: Jillian Whiting - 0412 711 909

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