An experience unlike any other: the first meeting
In some countries, after the anonymity period of usually two years, donors and recipients have the opportunity to meet in person. For many, this first meeting is a unique, unforgettable and very emotional experience.
Often, in the run-up to the big day, there’s anxiety on both sides, of course, and nerves may well be on edge. People begin to wonder what they will say, how to approach the other person, and what might happen if neither side has anything to say and just sits there in silence. Most of the time these questions resolve themselves as soon as they come face to face, with both sides finding the situation easy and heart-warming. Often, “genetic twins” spontaneously hug.
More about anonymity period
After the mandatory anonymity period, which typically lasts two years, many countries allow donors and patients to meet in person. In some cases, special rules apply – and, unfortunately, there are a few countries that don’t allow donors and patients to meet at all. You can find out more by sending an email to followup@dkms-bmst.org. We’ll be happy to answer your questions!
The decision of whether a personal encounter is desired should be made consciously and carefully by you and the recipient of your stem cells. We recommend that you contact each other anonymously beforehand. This helps to find out how the other person feels, whether the "chemistry" between you is right and whether you would like to get to know this person from the bottom of your heart.
If you, as a DKMS-BMST donor, decide to make personal contact, please contact us directly with this wish. We will then send you the necessary forms. The recipient of your stem cells will receive the forms from the responsible transplant clinic.
Of course, individual reasons can also speak against getting to know each other. Whatever decision you make: We will support and accompany you on your way! You can turn to us at any time with your joy and sadness, your hope and your doubts!
Your experience as a stem cell donor in the media
You would like to share your experience as a stem cell donor with others - for example on Facebook, Instagram or in the press? We are very happy about that - because maybe you can motivate other people to become stem cell donors and thus potential lifesavers. For data protection reasons, however, it is very important that you avoid giving certain information about the donation and references to patients. This is the only way we can protect the privacy of patients and DKMS-BMST donors together! In order to support you in dealing with social media, we have also created a social media guide for DKMS-BMST donors. It contains helpful tips and rules that are important for reporting on your stem cell donation. You are also welcome to contact us directly and we can discuss together how we can support you in publishing your donation experience. We look forward to hearing from you and your personal story! You can reach us by phone at +91 80 6828 6571 or by email at followup@dkms-bmst.org.
