Almost 5,000 donors line up in rain to save boy | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

Almost 5,000 organ donors queue to save dying boy
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Hand In Hand for Oscar
Almost 5,000 organ donors queue to save dying boy
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Hand In Hand for Oscar

Nearly 5,000 organ donors braved the rain and lined up outside a primary school in Worcester, England to help find a match for 5-year-old Oscar Saxelby Lee.

Oscar is in need of a stem cell donor after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia last December 2018. As per The Sun on March 4, doctors gave Oscar three months to find a stem-cell match which could save his life.

Olivia and Jamie, Oscar’s parents, along with his teachers, launched a campaign in a bid to find a match. Around 4,800 organ donors made their way to Pitmaston Primary School over the weekend to register with DKMS, the charity that tests the swabs. The initiative smashed DKMS’ previous record of 2,200 people who took part in a registration event.

“We felt like we could not see light at the end of the tunnel, but when looking at Oscar’s cheeky smile, bravery and determination, we managed to pull our strength together again,” Olivia was quoted as saying.

“Not once has he shown weakness, nor has he ceased to amaze us throughout the most difficult times and that to us is a true warrior,” she added.

The Hand In Hand for Oscar campaign took to its official Facebook page on Sunday, March 3, where they marked the record-breaking registration event with a short thank you video from Oscar himself.

The 5-year-old, sitting up on his hospital bed at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said a cheery “Thank you!” to the camera before giving the thumbs up.

At least 4,855 donors registered with DKMS at the primary school, according to the page,

“An unbelievable response from the public, friends and family!!” the page stated. “Oscar’s Mum and Dad are overwhelmed with all your support, generosity and love shown these past two days.”

The campaign page also said Oscar has been following the registrants’ videos and could not be any more pleased.

“Not only are we proud of you but the main man himself… Oscar!!!” declared the Hand In Hand for Oscar page. “He has been following your videos and his little face lit up knowing everyone is trying their best to help him get better!” Cody Cepeda/JB

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