29-Year-Old Software Engineer Learns He Has Leukemia After Visiting Doctor for Bloody Nose (Exclusive)

**29-Year-Old Software Engineer Battles Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, Advocates for Diverse Bone Marrow Donors**

Warren Shen, a 29-year-old software engineer, has embarked on an unexpected fight against acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a swift and aggressive form of blood cancer. His diagnosis came after what he initially presumed was a lingering case of flu, highlighting his previously active and seemingly healthy lifestyle in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Until earlier this year, Shen’s life appeared to be on the right track. Engaged in the tech industry, he devoted his spare time to exercise, hiking with friends, and planning a significant move to New York City. However, after experiencing symptoms that mimicked those of common viral infections, he visited his doctor, where a routine physical examination revealed alarming blood test results that would change his life forever.

What started as a minor concern—occasional traces of blood in his mucus—prompted Shen to seek medical advice. Despite initial reassurances from his doctor that the issue was likely due to dry air, he underwent a series of blood tests. The next call he received from an on-call physician shattered his calm, urging him to go to the emergency room immediately due to critically low blood levels.

Upon arrival, further tests confirmed the worst: Shen was suffering from AML, a diagnosis that was categorised as high risk. Oncologists hastened to initiate treatment, emphasising the urgency of commencing chemotherapy to combat the rapidly deteriorating condition. In a matter of hours, his life plans were replaced with a stark reality filled with hospital stays and medical procedures.

The emotional toll has been heavy on both Shen and his family. His mother and brother struggled to reconcile the diagnosis with the healthy individual they had always known. As he summarised, “It felt like the whole world was being turned upside down.” The shock transformed his brother into a relentless researcher, diving deep into information about leukaemia and the treatment options available.

Shen commenced a rigorous chemotherapy regimen known as “7+3” induction therapy, which is the standard approach for AML cases. For the first week, he received treatment while the following weeks proved significantly more challenging. Isolation in a hospital room became his new norm, as doctors monitored his blood counts amid fears of infections due to severely compromised immunity. During this period, he found solace in small acts of normalcy, including continuing to work on personal projects with his brother, which he describes as providing a much-needed distraction.

After spending over a month in the hospital, Shen’s health began to improve, marking a significant milestone in his treatment journey. Despite his discharge, the battle was far from over; he now requires ongoing chemotherapy cycles and is actively searching for a compatible stem cell donor match that could facilitate a future transplant. Due to the high incidence of mismatches among individuals of Asian descent, he has made it his mission to raise awareness about the importance of diversity in donor registries.

Shen’s public advocacy began after he realised the stark disparities in donor availability, especially for minorities. A conversation with another leukaemia patient emphasised this inequality, motivating him to leverage his experience to encourage more people, particularly those of Asian ancestry, to join the National Marrow Donor Programme (NMDP) registry.

His compelling messages and storytelling have resonated widely, reaching thousands who are eager to support his cause. Social media platforms have seen a surge of responses, with numerous individuals sharing their registry sign-ups and encouraging others to follow suit. Shen reflected on this outpouring of support, stating, “Everyone’s doing what they can to help. I think this is something that can be beaten, and I want to be an example of that.”

As his treatment continues, Shen fuels his resolve with thoughts of his family. His bond with his mother provides significant motivation, especially considering the caregiver responsibilities that will accompany his potential transplant. Maintaining a hopeful outlook, he remains grateful for the professionalism and compassion exhibited by his medical team, noting that they are equally committed to his recovery.

In sharing his journey, Shen hopes his story serves not only as a personal reflection of resilience in the face of adversity but as a clarion call for increased participation in donor registries. His message underscores a crucial gap in healthcare, reminding us all that diversity among potential donors can be the key to saving lives.