“I am grateful for this opportunity and happy to know that I saved someone’s life!”
Krishnapriya, a college student registered as a potential blood stem cell donor in August 2018 at one of the donor drives organized by DKMS-BMST at her college in Bengaluru. She has shared her experience of becoming a lifesaver with us.
Krishnapriya, a college student registered as a potential blood stem cell donor in August 2018 at one of the donor drives organized by DKMS-BMST at her college in Bengaluru. She became a match for a patient just after a year of her registration. She has shared her experience of becoming a lifesaver with us.
GETTING THAT SPECIAL CALL
Krishnapriya was surprised when she received the call that she was found to be a match.
She said, ''It’s thrilling to think that the human body has the power to save someone else. It was one of the most unexpected calls of my life till date. I was so anxious and excited at the same time.''
My parents were a little skeptical about the pros and cons of the process but they were confident after the DKMS-BMST coordinator explained to them. They were always by my side and supported me.
DONATION DAY
I donated my blood stem cells in March 2020 through the Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection procedure (PBSC). The procedure setup was similar to blood donation. I was attached to a machine that drew the blood out of one arm, filtered and collected the stem cells, and returned the rest of my blood back into my other arm. I felt little soreness in my arms but dint face any other health issues post the donation.
It was no different really to lying on bed at home, except that I couldn’t move my arms. Fortunately, I had my mother beside me. I was comfortable, I had everything I needed, and the nurses were always popping by to see if they could do anything else for me and they were more nervous than me. I had my lunch provided and endless supplies of drinks. The four hours went by in a blink of an eye.
MESSAGE TO ALL
To be identified as a potential match for someone and to go on and donate my blood stem cells to help save their life is such an exciting experience and one that I will never forget. ''What better gift can you give then the gift of life?” So, I appeal to everyone who is eligible to please come forward and give someone hope.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
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 and in general good health can go on standby as a potential lifesaver. If you're not eligible or you're already registered, why not check the other ways to get involved in the fight against blood cancer or blood disorders?
