Prapul (21) and Prajwal (24), siblings from Bengaluru, helped save the lives of two blood cancer patients.
The brothers were matched to two different genetic twins within a brief time after their registration as potential blood stem cell donors with the DKMS BMST Foundation India.
Prapul says, “As a dental student, I am aware of the challenges that patients with blood cancer and other blood disorders face.” A stem cell transplant is the only chance at survival for most of these patients. I registered as a donor at one of the registration events organised by the DKMS-BMST Foundation India in my college. Registration is a simple process wherein you only have to give a cheek swab sample and fill out a consent form. Within a year of my registration, I got the opportunity to donate my stem cells. It has been a great feeling knowing that I helped someone get a second chance at life.
Prapul is a BDS student who registered in 2019, and he got the opportunity to donate in 2021.
Prajwal, the elder sibling, got inspired by his younger brother and decided to register in 2021 and donate in 2022.
Their parents and family were incredibly supportive, and they have become role models in their extended family and local community.
The brothers are actively encouraging other people to register as potential donors.
Prajwal says, “After Prapul donated his stem cells, I noticed a profound sense of pride and fulfilment in him.” It gave me the confidence and motivation to register as a donor. After I got the chance to donate, I could also feel the same as Prapul. It is a great feeling; I cannot express it in words. Both of us are now actively encouraging our friends and family to register as potential blood stem cell donors.
In India, the percentage of people who know about blood stem cell transplant as a lifesaving treatment modality is abysmal.
When a patient needs a stem cell transplant, their odds of finding a match are higher among people of similar ethnicity.
For Indian patients, having a large donor registry comprised of people of Indian descent will ensure that more people who can benefit from this treatment modality can find genetic matches.