A 19-year-old from Bardon diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia has sparked a global response after calling for stem cell donor registrations.
Former Grammar Prefect’s Health Journey Begins in Bardon
Rowan Tong-Law, a former prefect at Brisbane Grammar School and current University of Queensland physiotherapy student, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in September 2024. The diagnosis came after a routine blood test while he was on medication for acne. At the time, he was living with his family in Bardon and felt no obvious symptoms.
Initial treatment involved five rounds of chemotherapy. However, by March 2025, doctors advised that the treatment had not succeeded, and a stem cell transplant would now be necessary.
Urgent Need for Donor Match
Rowan’s family has since launched a global push to find a full stem cell match, which must be Eurasian for optimal compatibility. His siblings have been identified as 50 per cent matches, but partial matches carry higher risks of rejection and serious complications.
Donor registration can be completed through a cheek swab; if matched, the donation process is similar to giving blood. People between 18 and 35 years are urged to register for Rowan.
Support Network Expands Beyond Bardon
The response has been widespread. After Rowan spoke at Brisbane Grammar on 21 March 2025, donor registration numbers with Stem Cell Donors Australia increased from an average of 200-300 a month to 1300, with 1200 registrations occurring since his speech.
The initiative, known as Register for Rowan, has drawn attention across Australia and internationally. The campaign website has recorded nearly 11,000 visits from 60 countries.
Rowan’s former schools, UQ’s physiotherapy faculty, Wests Rugby Club, and the networks of his parents—Bronwyn Tong, a Logan-based vet, and Robert Law, an employee at Wesley Mission—have all played key roles in amplifying the message.
Reflections on Diagnosis and Perspective Shift
In the months following his diagnosis, Rowan has experienced multiple complications, including a heart valve infection. After completing chemotherapy, he briefly returned to study and work, including a new role with UQ Rugby.
He recently returned to Brisbane Grammar to speak at the World’s Greatest Shave, sharing his experience and encouraging others to register as donors. He emphasised the importance of perspective, noting that minor daily inconveniences have become insignificant compared to his current challenges.
Continued Search and Community Support in Bardon
Rowan and his family remain hopeful that a full match will be found, even if it must come from overseas. In the meantime, the campaign continues to raise awareness and encourage registrations, with the aim of helping not only Rowan but others awaiting transplants.
Support from Bardon and broader Queensland continues to build, reinforcing the strength of community during difficult times.
Published 10-Apr-2025
