DKMS-BMST, Manipal Marathon join hands to increase blood stem cell donation awareness

With over 10,000 participants, the foundation aims to register many potential lifesavers during the event DKMS BMST Foundation India joined hands with Manipal Marathon 2024. With over 10,000 participants, the foundation aims to register many potential lifesavers during the event. The Manipal Marathon is an annual running event in Manipal, Udupi District and is organised by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in collaboration with the Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association. For its upcoming 6th edition, the Manipal Marathon will carry the meaningful tagline ‘We are with you all the way’ to raise awareness against all terminal diseases, especially blood cancer. Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India, highlighted the pressing need to address the shortage of stem cell donors in India. He stated, "The youth's participation in this initiative is significant in conveying the importance of stem cell donation. In India, every year, over 1 lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder. For a successful blood stem cell transplant, patients need a perfect HLA-matching donor. Unfortunately, only 0.03 per cent of the Indian population have registered as potential donors. Patients and donors of Indian origin have unique HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) characteristics severely under-represented in the global database, making the probability of finding a suitable donor even more difficult. India, being a young country, we aim to raise greater awareness about blood stem cell donation through students.” Dr HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said, “We are happy that DKMS BMST Foundation India is organising a donor registration drive at the Manipal Marathon 2024. Through this drive, we strive to raise awareness about blood stem cell donation and its importance for patients suffering from blood cancer and blood disorders like thalassemia and aplastic anaemia. Together, we aim to dispel myths around this simple process and hope that many youngsters would register as potential blood stem cell donors." Blood stem cell donor and a marketing professional hailing from Udupi, Akshay Kumar, who had donated his stem cells to save a patient, was present at the Manipal Marathon Expo, inspiring people with his story. Kumar said, “As a blood stem cell donor, I believe in the power of collective action. My message to the youth is to register as donors by a simple process of giving your cheek swab samples. It is crucial to empower a new generation to step forward, saving lives and spreading hope. In this race against blood cancer, every step we take is a stride toward a healthier, brighter future for those in need.”