Delhi, October 10, 2024: DKMS BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and disorders collaborated with IIT Delhi’s cultural festival Rendezvous 2024 as the social initiative partner, driving an impactful stem cell donor registration campaign. The 4-day event, held recently, garnered overwhelming participation, with over 400 students registering as potential stem cell donors.

Rendezvous, IIT Delhi’s prestigious annual cultural festival, attracts youth from across the country, blending talent, passion, and social responsibility. This year, the festival partnered with DKMS-BMST to create awareness about life-saving stem cell donations, encouraging students to join the global donor registry.

Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India, emphasised the importance of youth involvement in addressing the critical shortage of stem cell donors in India. "Every five minutes, a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder such as Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia is diagnosed in India. With only 0.6 million registered stem cell donors from India, the need for matching blood stem cell donors is dire. Through partnerships like this one with IIT Delhi, we are able to educate the youth about blood stem cell donation and inspire them to take action by registering. Their participation in the registry greatly improves the chances of finding a life-saving match for patients in need."

Ekansh Agarwal, Member, Event Organizing Team, IIT Delhi, expressed the institute's pride in supporting this initiative. "At IIT Delhi, we believe that the students can be agents of positive change. Partnering with DKMS-BMST at Rendezvous 2024 allowed us to not only celebrate youth talent but also contribute to an important social cause. Registration as a potential blood stem cell donor only takes 5 minutes, where you have to give your cheek swab samples and fill a form; then your sample will be analysed by DKMS to know about your tissue type. After the registration you will be available as a potential lifesaver in the global donor pool."

“Stem cell donation offers a unique opportunity to save lives, particularly for patients suffering from blood cancers and disorders. However, challenges such as limited donor availability, often stand in the way. The participation of young, healthy donors significantly increases the likelihood of finding a match for those in need of a transplant. By joining this initiative, students at IIT Delhi are contributing to a life-saving cause, bringing hope to patients and their families around the world,” Dr. Esha Kaul, Director – Medical Oncology (Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, BMT), from Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali said. 

DKMS-BMST is committed to organising similar registration drives across India, especially for the youth to help the patients. With only 0.09% of the global donor base comprising Indians, increasing registrations is vital to improve the chances of Indian patients in need of a transplant.

To register as a blood stem cell donor, individuals between the ages of 18-55 and in general good health can order a home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register.