Former RAF Pilot Launched Public Stem Cell Donor Appeal
Chris Gordon, an LA resident and veteran, seeks a life-saving transplant to treat severe aplastic anaemia.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy
Former RAF Chinook pilot Chris Gordon has launched a public appeal for a stem cell donor after being diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia. The Los Angeles resident requires a transplant within months to survive his condition, which prevents his bone marrow from producing blood cells.
Why it matters
Patients with rare blood conditions often rely on international donor registries when family members are not a complete match. Finding a suitable donor is critical for Gordon, who requires twice-weekly blood transfusions to remain stable.
The 43-year-old veteran underwent 14 years of service with the RAF and previously protected 31 soldiers during his deployment in Afghanistan. He currently relies on twice-weekly blood transfusions while managing his recovery at home in Los Angeles.
The players
Chris Gordon
He is a former RAF Chinook pilot and Los Angeles resident currently battling severe aplastic anaemia.
Jonathan Gordon
He is the brother of Chris Gordon and a partial stem cell match.
DKMS
This international organization manages a stem cell donor registry that helps patients find life-saving matches.
The details
Gordon, who is half Jamaican, faces difficulty finding a donor due to the need for a precise genetic match. Medical staff are searching international registries after his brother, Jonathan Gordon, was determined to be only a partial match.
Timeline
Chris Gordon received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 2013.
The public donor appeal was launched in September 2026.
A new baby is expected to be born in October 2026.
A transplant is required by late 2026.
Market Landscape
This public search highlights the limitations of existing volunteer donor databases for minority ethnic groups. The initiative positions DKMS as a vital link in closing the search gap for patients who lack a full family match.
Healthy residents can support the effort by signing up for the donor registry through a simple cheek swab process. This involvement directly improves the statistical likelihood of finding a match for patients like Gordon.
The takeaway
Patients suffering from rare blood diseases often face significant delays in finding compatible donors. Registering as a potential donor is a straightforward way for the public to potentially save a life.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Philanthropy section.
More information
Potential donors can register by completing the DKMS stem cell donor registration process.
