The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
DELHI, MARCH 8, 2024
In a concerted effort to raise awareness about the critical need for blood stem cell donation, DKMS BMST Foundation India is shining a spotlight on young women who have recently contributed to this life-saving cause. Their participation not only increases the diversity of the stem cell registry but also enhances the chances of finding suitable matches, offering hope to blood cancer patients in need of a second chance at life.
Asmita, a 26-year-old senior analyst from Delhi, stands as an inspiring example of the impact of stem cell donation. Having registered as a potential blood stem cell donor with DKMS-BMST in August 2021, Asmita swiftly became a match for a patient in need within a mere 4-5 months. Reflecting on her experience, Asmita underscores the simplicity of the process and its profound potential to save lives.
Despite initial concerns about her health, particularly her anemia, Asmita found reassurance in the thorough support provided by the DKMS-BMST team. Through comprehensive testing and ongoing guidance, they ensured her well-being throughout the donation process, empowering her to make a tangible difference in someone else’s life.
Indians, particularly women, remain underrepresented in the global donor pool, highlighting the urgent need for increased participation. Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST, emphasizes the importance of Asmita’s story in inspiring more women to step forward and register as potential donors. By diversifying the registry, they can significantly enhance the prospects of finding suitable matches for patients in need, offering them a lifeline in their battle against blood cancer.
Every five minutes, someone in India receives a diagnosis of blood cancer or a related disorder, emphasizing the pressing need for stem cell donors. Despite this, many patients, particularly children and young adults, struggle to find suitable matches due to the scarcity of donors. DKMS-BMST urges eligible individuals to consider registering as potential stem cell donors, highlighting the simplicity of the process and its potential to save lives.
Since its inception, DKMS-BMST India has registered over 1,00,000 stem cell donors in the country, with 35,000 being women. Their efforts have facilitated 110 stem cell transplants, with 14 donations coming from matched women donors, significantly impacting the fight against blood cancer. As they continue their mission, DKMS-BMST remains dedicated to registering more donors in India, offering hope and a second chance at life to as many patients as possible.
For those interested in becoming stem cell donors, the process is simple and takes only five minutes of your time. Eligible individuals between 18 and 55 years of age can register by completing a consent form and swabbing the inside of their cheeks. To register, visit www.dkms-bmst.org/register.
