“The day I donated my stem cells will indeed remain one of the best days of my life.”

“The day I donated my stem cells will indeed remain one of the best days of my life.

”Sai Sachin, a 22-year-old resident of Kerala, did what most people wish they could do; save a life. During a college drive conducted by DKMS-BMST at KMTC Medical College, he learned the need and importance of registering as a blood stem cell donor, which motivated him to register. Being a medical student Sachin understands the nit and grit about blood cancer and blood disorders, so he understood the magnitude of a stem cell donation and how one could potentially save a patient’s life just by donating their stem cells.

He shares his experience of becoming a lifesaver-

“I registered as a potential donor in 2019 during registration drive conducted by DKMS-BMST at my college. When I learnt about how easily I could potentially save a patient, it was a no-brainer, I had to be registered!

I got into the field of medicine to save lives and just by donating my stem cells, I’ve potentially saved a life already. There’s no better feeling than this.

Donation Process

I was really happy when I was informed that I came up as a match for a patient. What made this donation really special is that I had a very good support system by my side. My friends, family and even my college faculty were happy and proud that I was taking this step.

Stem cell donation might seem complex on paper but the way the officials at DKMS-BMST handled the whole scenario with professionalism and efficiency was indeed a major factor that gave me the confidence to go forward. I also learnt about previous cases of blood cancer patients who got their second chance at life through the stem cell donation and was happy to know that I also got a chance to save someone.

After the donation

The day I donated by stem cells will indeed remain one of the best days of my life. I felt confident from the beginning and the medical team in charge of the donation procedure was very compassionate and made me feel very comfortable throughout the donation. The donation went on for 3 hours roughly and I didn’t really face any discomfort, it was similar to blood platelet donation.

Message for all
First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to urge people to collect information
or get informed of these life-threatening diseases like blood cancer, thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia so that they can develop the empathy required to help the needy. All of us wish to be able to help others and make a difference. This is one way to make a huge difference to someone’s life.
If you are healthy enough, consider it as an opportunity to help someone who is in need.
The main reason people are not coming forward to register as potential blood stem cell donors is because they lack information and because it doesn’t concern them until their dear or near ones are affected.
The public must be made aware of how difficult it is to find a possible matching donor for a patient and how easy a task it is nowadays to be a lifesaver with the advanced medical facilities available across the world.
Medical science have evolved rapidly over the years and along with it, our
mentality must change. The best thing a person can do ultimately in his life, is to save a life and with that, save a family of their sorrows.
Literally, saving a life has never been easier. It’s just a choice that you make. Let your
choices be wise and let them make a difference.”

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