“It’s not every day that you get the chance to possibly save someone’s life.”

“It’s not every day that you get the chance to possibly save someone’s life.”

Brothers share a bond that’s unbreakable. They grow up playing, fighting and facing life together. But brothers Prajwal and Prapul did something that most brothers can rarely do; they saved lives!

24-year-old Prajwal, witnessed his younger brother Prapul save a blood cancer patient’s life by donating his stem cells. He was so inspired by his brother that he decided to register as a potential donor as well. And to his amazement, he also turned up as a match for a patient.

Prajwal shares his experience of being a lifesaver-

“I registered in 2021, after my brother’s donation. I noticed a profound sense of pride and fulfillment in Prapul, and it gave me the confidence and motivation to register as a donor too. A year later, after I got the chance to donate, I also felt the same fulfillment as Prapul. I cannot express it in words, but it’s a great feeling. Both of us are now actively encouraging our friends and family to register as potential blood stem cell donors.

When I received a call that I came up as a match for a patient, I didn’t need much convincing to go through with the donation. In fact, I was really excited! It’s not every day that you get the chance to possibly save someone’s life. I felt really lucky to have got this opportunity and my friends and family were so happy, supportive and proud of me.

Donation process

There was no preparation needed. I had already witnessed my brother’s donation so I knew it was going to be simple and safe. I donated my stem cells through the Peripheral blood Stem Cell collection (PBSC) method. All I had to do was lie down for a few hours while I was hooked up to a machine that would draw out my stem cells. The process took 3 hours to complete and the DKMS-BMST team made sure everything went smoothly.

Post donation

Words can’t suffice how I was feeling after my donation. But yeah, I was happy, proud and feeling blessed that I got the chance to do something so great. I was ecstatic at the thought of being a stem cell donor! It’s an opportunity that only few are awarded, and that too, only once in a lifetime.

What I would say to the patient is; I’m sorry you’re going through this. Stay strong and be positive. I feel blessed to have been able to help in your fight against blood cancer, I hope your transplant is a success and that you come out of this much healthier.

Message for all

Just like I got inspired by my brother, I hope some of you get inspired by me. Both of us are now actively encouraging our friends and family to register as potential blood stem cell donors.

Please come forward and register as potential donors. It’s harmless, there’s no need to worry or be scared. In a simple process and you are well taken care of, from start to finish. If you have even 1% of a chance to help someone, you should take it. You could help a blood cancer patient in their fight and give them a second chance at life!

How you can help

There are many blood cancer and blood disorder patients who are waiting for a matching stem cell donor.

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 18-55 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