Northeim (red). In Germany, the German Bone Marrow Donor Registry (DKMS) enables people to potentially save lives through simple registration. As a stem cell donor you can give a seriously ill person the chance of healing. In this report, Björn and Jette from Northeim share their personal experiences with DKMS to show how important and uncomplicated this process is.
Registration with the DKMS: A first step towards saving lives
The path begins simply: A registration set from DKMS, which you can request at events or via the website, contains a cotton swab with which you can take a swab of the oral mucosa. This will be sent to the DKMS together with a questionnaire. Once you reach the age of majority, your data will be released to the global donor file.
The call from DKMS: A chance to save lives
After a while they both received the call that we were possible donors. In a conversation, the next steps were explained to us and some health questions were clarified. This was followed by a blood sample to ensure that we would be considered as donors for a seriously ill patient.
Preparation and health check
After the “match” with a patient, the preparation began. A thorough health check was carried out at the collection clinic to ensure we were ready for donation. We then had to give ourselves injections for five days to mobilize the stem cells in the blood – a simple, if somewhat unfamiliar, task.
The day of donation: A simple process with a big impact
On the day of the donation we were warmly welcomed at the clinic. The actual process of filtering stem cells from the blood took about three to five hours. Meanwhile we could relax, listen to music or stream films. At the end of that day we felt great that we had given someone a life-saving donation.
Contact with the recipient: An emotional connection
After the donation, we found out the first information about the recipient. Due to legal requirements, they initially remain anonymous, but there is the option of making personal contact after two years.
Conclusion: A small sacrifice for a big impact
Our experiences as stem cell donors were consistently positive. The effort was small compared to the enormous potential to save the life of a seriously ill person. Anyone who is healthy should consider registering with the DKMS.
So: “Open your mouth – put in your chopsticks – be a donor!”
Photo: Private
