“DKMS-BMST helps save lives and this can only be done with your support”
26-year-old Goutam Kumar was going about his day when he came across a social media post about a young girl named Kriti who needed a matching stem cell donor to undergo a lifesaving stem cell transplant.
He shares his experience of being a blood stem cell donor –
“I was really intrigued when I saw the post about Kriti and I decided to do some research about DKMS-BMST. When I had some understanding about the organization, what they do and how they help people, I was really motivated to join their noble cause of giving every blood cancer patient a second chance at life.
I registered on 11th March, 2021, and I was amazed that in just over a year, I came up as a match for a patient and got the incredibly rare opportunity to donate my blood stem cells. I was very happy that my samples matched with a patient because I’ve read that the chances of finding a perfectly matched HLA type are one in a million. I feel honored and proud that I could be someone’s lifesaver.
Donation Process
Going into it, my family was a bit worried about me. They didn’t know much about the process they were a bit concerned of any possible side effects I may experience. However, the DKMS-BMST team did a great job of reassuring my family and quelling their anxiety by explaining the process in detail, and my parents were on-board eventually.
Post donation
To be honest, I was a bit nervous myself. I’d never even donated my blood in the past and now I was going to donate my blood stem cells. I reached the collection center in the morning. The DKMS-BMST team and medical coordinators supported me throughout the process. which lasted about four hours.
I was a bit tired after the donation. I drank fluids, took some medication, ate well and then I felt better. It’s only a minor discomfort you experience, but for the recipient, it can be life-changing. I was filled with pride and happiness, that I had done something good.
To my recipient I say, “Hello little sis, this is your brother Goutam. I hope you are doing well. Do not worry, God has sent me to wish you good health and a speedy recovery. Get well very soon take care of yourself and your parents. Stay Happy.”
Message for all
How you can help
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are calling on more people to take the first step and register for a home swab kit.
If you’d like to register as a potential blood stem cell donor you can check your eligibility and sign up today.
Anyone aged between 18-50 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
