08:30, 17 September 2025
Words by Zane Dedlow, Videographer and Content Creator, London
September marks World Blood Cancer Month and we decided to produce a special episode of Speak Up! by Smiley Movement with the aim to spread a positive message about resilience, care and how you can make a small contribution to helping others.
As mentioned above, this episode was produced with World Blood Cancer in mind so we partnered up with girl band VENUS GRRRLS and stem cell charity Anthony Nolan to have an honest and open conversation about blood cancer, donating stem cells and who is in need to join the stem cell register.
We are joined by two compelling voices: GK, lead singer of the VENUS GRRRLS, who at 24 was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), and Dr. Diana Hernandez a Stem Cell Biologist at Anthony Nolan.
Together, the conversation flows from anecdotes of GK’s experience to the science behind becoming a stem cell donor and why this form of matchmaking can literally save lives.
For more information and to sign up to Anthony Nolan’s stem cell register, head here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/join-stem-cell-register
Watch the episode on YouTube below:
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Anthony Nolan. This charity runs the UK’s largest stem cell register, helping across the globe with scientific advancements to discover cures and treatments for blood cancer and blood disorders. Find out more.
Leukaemia Care. This charity is the UK’s leading leukaemia charity. Working over the last 50 years to ensure the best possible diagnosis, information, advice, treatment and support is available. Learn more here.
Blood Cancer UK. This charity has the goal to accelerate transformative climate solutions and build a more just world, specifically working in the UK and Global South. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health And Wellbeing, Partnerships For The Goals.
