“Your stem cell donation can single-handedly save a person’s life.”
23-year-old Shubham registered as a potential stem cell donor in April 2021 at a college registration drive. Two years later, he was given the opportunity to help save a life!
“Your stem cell donation can single-handedly save a person’s life.”
23-year-old Shubham registered as a potential stem cell donor in April 2021. Two years later, he was given the opportunity to help save a life!
He shares his journey of becoming a lifesaver-
“I heard about DKMS-BMST when they held a registration drive at the NSG campus in Gurugram. I learned that I could be a part of a really good cause just by registering as a potential donor. When I read about stem cells and how crucial they can be in treating blood cancer patients, I couldn’t help but register. While I was really happy to support them, I was informed that the chance of my HLA matching with a patient was really low.
Two years later, I got a call from DKMS-BMST, informing me that I had received a one-in-a-million chance to help save a patient’s life. I was surprised and motivated to do whatever I could to help the patient. I felt fortunate that I got an opportunity to help someone, and now that I had it, I didn’t want to jeopardize the donation in any way. I felt a great sense of altruistic responsibility on my shoulders. I was also distressed thinking about the pain the patient and their family might be going through. I considered myself an instrument that could help relieve their pain and give them new hope.
Before the donation
Initially, I had some concerns about medical safety and ethics involved with the process. I wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t have an inadvertent effect on my body and that the process was conducted with utmost priority being given to my safety. My family had similar anxieties relating to any case of medical negligence. Thankfully, the team at DKMS-BMST successfully convinced me, and I was ready to go through with the donation.
The preparation was mostly mental. I prepared by constantly reminding myself of what was at stake. I tried following a healthy lifestyle as much as possible and maintaining my diet, as advised to me.
Donation Process
I woke up early and got my last dose of G-CSF injection. I was a bit nervous because I had never been around so much medical equipment. So, I enquired about the whole procedure with the DKMS-BMST team, and they were kind enough to talk me through it. The process was a little uncomfortable, but the people there helped me get my mind off it.
After the donation
After the donation, I felt exhilarated as well as relieved. The DKMS-BMST team was there to congratulate me and document the process. I had a good feeling about the whole thing. I hoped that my donation would help the patient. We clicked pictures with the staff, the nurses, and the team. It was a great feeling altogether.
I would say to my recipient that I don’t know your identity, but I know for sure that you are a brave soul. The battle you have set out to fight is unfortunate, frustrating, and long. But with your family, friends, and well-wishers by your side, you can soldier through anything. You have organizations like DKMS-BMST working round the clock to help you fight this battle. I hope I was worthy enough to contribute anything to you to win this battle. I hope science works however it works best, the gods do whatever they do best, and your belief never loses your side. I hope you come out of it well and better. I wish you all the luck and love, and light.
Message for all
"I hope every single one of you registers with DKMS-BMST. Because it is more than just a stem cell donation for a cancer patient, it is a testament to your faith in humanity. Your stem cell donation single-handedly can save a person’s life. The process is very safe and effortless. It takes very little from you and gives a lot in return.”
How you can help
If you’d like to register as a potential blood stem cell donor, you can check your eligibility and signup 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 already registered, check out other ways to get involved in the fight against blood cancer.
