Soldiers’ Heroic Act: Stem Cell Donations Saving Lives Beyond Battlefields
Newzdaddy Health And Fitness Updates
DKMS-BMST Foundation Salutes the Indian Army’s Selfless Contribution on Army Day
In a heartwarming tale that goes beyond the call of duty, two brave soldiers have emerged as heroes not on the battlefield but in the noble act of donating life-saving stem cells. Captain Cyrus and Fezal, members of the Indian Army, have undertaken remarkable journeys to donate stem cells, offering a lifeline to strangers battling blood cancer. This act of selflessness highlights the unwavering spirit of service within the Indian Armed Forces.
Amidst the annual toll of over 70,000 lives to blood cancer and blood disorders in India, a matching stem cell transplant often emerges as the sole chance for survival. The DKMS-BMST Foundation, along with these soldier-donors, is playing a crucial role in providing renewed hope for those in need.
Captain Cyrus, already a registered potential stem cell donor with DKMS-BMST, received a life-altering call in December 2023. His stem cells turned out to be a perfect match for a young patient, prompting him to travel thousands of miles to Bangalore. Undeterred by logistical challenges and personal sacrifices, Cyrus volunteered without hesitation, embodying the spirit of fighting for lives on a different kind of battlefield.
Fezal, another soldier with the Indian Army, registered as a potential blood stem cell donor with DKMS-BMST in 2019. In a remarkable turn of events in September 2021, he emerged as a match for a blood cancer patient. Without a second thought, Fezal embarked on a challenging six-day journey, including a 60km walk, from a remote location in North-East India to Bangalore, all to fulfill his commitment to saving a life.
DKMS-BMST Foundation Calls Attention to the Scarcity of Stem Cell Donors in India
Expressing gratitude for the Indian Army’s invaluable support, Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST Foundation India, acknowledges their role in defending borders and rebuilding communities. The Foundation sees the soldiers as frontline figures of hope and progress, showcasing that challenges can be overcome with bravery, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better world.
On Army Day, commemorated every January 15th, DKMS-BMST takes a moment to salute the soldiers’ commitment to making a difference beyond traditional battlefields. The scarcity of stem cell donors in India remains a pressing issue, with only 0.04% of the total population registered. Paul emphasizes the need for enhanced awareness about blood stem cell donation and collaboration with initiatives to address this challenge.
In conclusion, Paul emphasizes that every five minutes, a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder is diagnosed in India, underlining the urgency of having more potential donors. He encourages individuals between 18 and 55 years, in good health, to take the simple step of registering as a blood stem cell donor to potentially save a life.
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