Changing lives, one stem cell donor at a time

LIFESTYLE NEWS - Every day, over 120 South Africans sign up as potential stem cell donors, providing hope for those battling blood cancer and blood disorders.

To date, more than 100,000 individuals have contributed to expanding and diversifying the DKMS Africa registry, which now includes 8% Asian, 9% Coloured, 38% Black, and 45% White donors. Every 10 new registrations increase the chances of patients finding life-saving matches.

However, with the chances of finding a match still just one in 100,000, many patients endure a prolonged search for a compatible donor - a struggle exacerbated by the limited diversity within the donor pool.

Twenty-one-year-old Axola, who was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anaemia, says “My journey with this illness has been painful and difficult. The hardest part has been the hopelessness I sometimes feel.”

He explains that finding a matching donor is not easy and can take years - up to 10 in some cases. “For Black patients, the search is even more challenging, as many in the community hesitate to register as donors. It’s crucial to raise awareness as a more diverse donor registry significantly improves the chances of finding a match and extends the life expectancy of patients from all backgrounds.”

Veronique, whose 11-year-old daughter Ashtonique is also fighting Severe Aplastic Anaemia, agrees, saying, “Finding a match is incredibly challenging. Many people are unaware of this disorder or how they can help save a life. They don't fully understand the risks faced by patients and often don't realise how many children are diagnosed with blood cancers and disorders. Saving a child's life should matter to everyone.”

Another parent, Nompumelelo Nzama whose son Mangaliso, aged four, was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia, shares, “I hold onto hope each day that we will receive the good news soon. It's vital to broaden the donor registry so that more children like my son can find a match in time and receive the life-saving treatment they urgently need before it’s too late.”

Axola believes that awareness and education are key for encouraging more South Africans to register as stem cell donors. “Social media influencers, community organisations, and churches should actively promote stem cell donation and registration. Additionally, schools, universities, and colleges are valuable platforms for educating younger generations and encouraging them to register.”

Nompumelelo Nzama adds that awareness and understanding are essential to ensure people make informed decisions and feel confident about contributing to such an important cause.

“Every new donor registered brings us one step closer to saving more lives. However, the diversity of the donor pool plays a critical role in improving match possibilities, so we are calling on all South Africans to join us in giving hope to more families and ensuring that every patient receives the treatment they desperately need. Together, we can make a difference - one donation at a time,” concludes Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa.