Over 400 JU Students register as Stem Cell Donors with DKMS-BMST
2 min read
Kolkata: In a display of incredible community spirit, 420 students of Jadavpur University pledged their support to give a second chance at life to patients fighting blood cancer and blood disorders like thalassemia and aplastic anemia. These students registered as potential stem cell donors at the drive conducted by DKMS-BMST Foundation India.
DKMS-BMST Foundation India, a leading NGO in the fight against blood cancer, teamed up with Jadavpur University for a stem cell donor registration drive during the educational institution’s annual techno-management festival, ‘FETSU presents Srijan’. The drive aimed to raise awareness about blood cancer and stem cell transplants and encourage the youth to come forward for the cause.
As Srijan24’s official social initiative partner, DKMS-BMST took the opportunity to engage the student community in a vital mission to save lives through stem cell donor registration.
Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS-BMST Foundation India, said, “The availability of matching blood stem cell donors remains a significant challenge for Indian patients in need of life-saving transplants. India has the youngest population, so it is crucial to encourage more young individuals to register as stem cell donors. Their continued participation in the registry significantly improves the chances of locating matching donors for patients requiring assistance.”
Patrick Paul added, “Our sincere thanks to Jadavpur University and its students for their vital role in organising this registration drive. DKMS-BMST is dedicated to conducting similar awareness and registration campaigns across educational institutions nationwide, with a special emphasis on the youth.”
To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed for your HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors.
Today, thousands of Indian patients are waiting for their matching stem cell donor to undergo a lifesaving stem cell transplantation. Their situation can only be changed by recruiting many potential blood stem cell donors from India. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register.
About Author
