Through the Eyes of Young Sibling Donors: The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation Experience

• Saving my sister's (or brother's) life was the central phenomenon identified by sibling donors.
• There was no question about whether or not they would be the donor to save their sibling's life.
• Most participants recalled expecting the donated bone marrow to take immediate effect.
• The emotional benefit of saving their sibling's life outweighed any pain or minor discomforts.
• Researchers should focus on motivations and late-effect outcomes for recipients and donors.

This qualitative study used a grounded theory approach to explore how pediatric sibling donors of a successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation conceptualized their donation experiences. Saving my sister's (or brother's) life describes the central phenomenon identified by this purposive sample of 8 sibling donors. Five themes captured their memories: being the perfect match, stepping up, worrying about the outcome, the waiting process, and sharing a special bond. Further research surrounding changes in relational issues will provide insight into inter-sibling support and the developmental course of the sibling relationship into adulthood when intensified by a health crisis.