DKMS Foundation India has learned that our name, logo and letterhead are being misused by unauthorised parties. DKMS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. In India, we aim to improve the situation for blood cancer and other blood disorder patients by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. We are not involved in organ transplantation.
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An Army man saving lives, in more ways than one
22-year-old Fezal registered as a potential blood stem cell donor in 2019. Only 2 years later, in September 2021, he came up as a match to a patient who was suffering from blood cancer and needed an immediate stem cell transplant. Without a moment’s hesitation, he set out on a strenuous journey, travelling from the remote location where he was posted, for six days continuously, which even included a 60km walk, until he finally travelled to Bengaluru to donate his blood stem cells.
He shares his journey of being a blood stem cell donor:
“I come from a small town in Rajasthan, where I have a wife and young daughter. Born into a family with a long line of Army men, I’m extremely proud that I get to serve my country and follow in the footsteps of my elders.
When I heard about blood stem cell donation, I understood the importance of the cause and how I could help someone get a second chance at life. As a soldier, there are many dangers that I am ready to face to save my country’s people, so when I got to know of such an easy way to potentially save a life, I signed up immediately. And to my surprise, in less than 2 years, I was able to donate my blood stem cells. When I received the call from the DKMS team, I was absolutely overwhelmed and without a second thought, I agreed to help the patient in need.
After a long journey of six days, I reached Bengaluru and I was ready to be a lifesaver! I donated my blood stem cells through the PBSC (peripheral blood stem cell) method, a process similar to blood platelet donation, which is a safe and non-surgical outpatient process. With the assistance of the medical team, everything went smoothly. I didn’t experience any pain or discomfort at any point and within a couple of hours, I was back on my feet and ready to go about my day.
It takes minimal effort for healthy people like us to donate our blood stem cells, but for the patient, it could be life-changing or at least give them a fighting chance at a better life. I hope my story inspires some of you to register as potential donors. You never know who might need your help someday!”
Just like Fezal, any healthy individual between the age of 18-55 can register. Finding a matching blood stem cell donor is a one in a million chance for a patient. Thousands of Indian patients are still waiting for a lifesaving stem cell transplant and your one step can save someone's life and give them a second chance to live.
Anyone aged between 18-55 years and in general good health can go on standby as a potential lifesaver. If you're not eligible or you're already registered, check out some of the other ways to get involved in the fight against blood cancer.
