Leukaemia sufferer Diane Dismont has found two potential sources for a blood marrow transplant which could save her life.

But the live blood cell donor who has been found is not a perfect match and the operation could backfire.

“They are telling me there's a 33 percent chance it could cure me,” Ms Dismont said. “I thought it would be a higher rate.

“We have found one donor but it is a mismatch.”

The most important component in the donor's cells did not correspond with hers although the other five components did, she said.

It could lead to the body rejecting the new cells. “I could develop graft versus host disease which is pretty serious,” she said.

But she must wait until all the potential matches from a donor drive on October 2 have been processed before an operation is performed, probably in the new year.

Ms Dismont urged more donors to come forward.

She said a frozen umbilical chord, which is a better match, had been located with four of the six cell components, including the most important one, matching but the operation was relatively new.

“They have only done 13 of these, and only done them during the past year,” she said. “It isn't guaranteed it will be a complete cure. Both have pros and cons.”

Ms Dismont, 59, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia three years ago, said she didn't know the location or identity of the potential live donor.

“They only tell you a year later,” she said. “They search worldwide. It could be from India or anywhere in the world.”

The chances of a perfect match are one in three million but Bermudians are more likely to be of help because of the similar gene pool.

But the dearth of donations from black people in the world's donor banks also cuts down her chances of finding a match.

Leukaemia is a cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood which creates too many white blood cells which compromises the immune system, attacking the liver and spleen.

However, a mini-stem cell transplant in which new cells are pumped into the blood stream and make their way into the marrow and hopefully take over from the sick cells may not result in a total cure, said Ms Dismont.

The operation involves living in a sterilised hospital environment for four to six weeks and then living in a sterilised apartment for two to three months.

“I guess the whole thing with leukaemia is they are still looking for another type of cure,” she said.

She fears her disease could become acute if a better match isn't found soon.

“Even if a match isn't found for me it might help another Bermudian who has leukaemia,” Ms Dismont said.

The donor drive established in conjunction with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and Bermuda's King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is still continuing.

To date more than 300 locals have been tested in a bid to help find a match for Ms Dismont.

It requires a blood test and potential donors should be under 60 and in good health.

To get tested call King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on 236-2345 and ask for the blood clinic.