In a heartening display of humanity and selflessness, two exceptional individuals, Sandipan and Harsh—dedicated army personnel—have emerged as heroes by donating their blood stem cells to save blood cancer patients. Back in 2019, they registered as potential blood stem cell donors during a donor registration drive organized by DKMS-BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a second chance at life to blood cancer patients.
This Independence Day, these brave hearts urge everyone to unite for the cause by registering as potential stem cell donors and helping blood cancer patients get freedom from this deadly disease.
Every year, over one lakh people in India, are diagnosed with some form of blood cancer, making it one of the country's leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Most people are unaware of the fact that a stem cell transplant can treat life-threatening diseases like blood cancer or disorders like Thalassemia and Aplastic Anaemia is not widely known. A patient needs healthy stem cells from an HLA-matched donor for a successful stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, only 30% of the patients with blood cancer find a matching donor in their family, and the rest, 70%, depend on an unrelated donor.
Harsh and Sandipan shared their experiences and expressed their incredible journey as lifesavers. Harsh shared, "When I registered as a potential stem cell donor with DKMS-BMST, I was initially unfamiliar with the profound impact I could make on a person’s life. However, as I delved deeper, my heart swelled filled with emotion, realising that even my modest contribution could become a beacon of hope, giving someone a precious second chance at life. When I received a call from DKMS-BMST telling me I was a match to help someone in need, it was a great moment and an indescribable feeling. Knowing that I could save someone's life made me feel special. I registered in July 2019, and only five months later, I donated my blood stem cells to someone I had never met before. It's truly amazing how simple acts like donating blood stem cells can make a big difference for others, even if they are strangers.”
Sandipan, a devoted father, loving husband, and passionate army personnel hailing from the Latur district of Maharashtra, India, displayed unwavering commitment amidst the pandemic. While concerns about loved ones ran high, Sandipan recognized his duty and journeyed from Latur to Bangalore to donate his blood stem cells.
Sandipan says, "In 2020, a phone call from DKMS-BMST changed my life. I learned that I had been identified as a possible match for a needy patient and asked whether I'd still be interested in donating my blood stem cells. Despite initial reluctance from friends and family, I recognised it was my moment to embody the hero within me, driven by my duty as army personnel to aid those in need. Becoming a stem cell donor has truly enlightened me about the incredible courage and determination of individuals battling blood cancer. I consider it a privilege to provide them with an opportunity for a second chance at life.”
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