Overview

• Katie Matthews, from Lincoln, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, at 15 weeks pregnant with twins in July 2024.
• Her case is the only recorded instance of myelofibrosis during a twin pregnancy, adding significant medical challenges to her prognosis.
• After her brother was confirmed not to be a donor match, her family partnered with the Anthony Nolan charity to launch a global donor search.
• The family is raising awareness of the urgent need for young donors aged 16–30 to join the register, as younger donors provide the best survival outcomes.
• Matthews, who began oral chemotherapy in January 2025, gave birth to healthy twins at 32 weeks and is determined to secure more time with her children through a life-saving transplant.