Fear and death are the two terms which are frequently associated with cancer. Besides various kinds of this disease, blood cancer has its own spell. Every year, over 70,000 people succumb to blood cancer and blood disorders in India. To combat the disease and to give a new lease of life to the victims, DKMS-BMST Foundation decided to put up a fight against blood cancer, primarily by generating awareness about blood stem cell transplantation, thereby identifying potential blood stem cell donors. These donors are army personnel who make patients win fights by donating stem cells.
On January 15, which is commemorated as Army Day, DKMS-BMST remembered the soldiers who made a difference with their selfless approach towards humanity by donating blood stem cells to cancer patients. Sacrifices of two such army personnel were remembered.
Captain Cyrus — an army man and registered as a potential stem cell donor with the foundation — received a call on December 2023 and was informed how his stem cells were a perfect match for a young patient who needed stem cell transplantation. Without hesitating, he volunteered to offer a chance at life to someone he had never met.
“When I heard that my stem cells could give someone a second chance at life, there was no question in my mind. As soldiers, we take an oath to protect our nation and its people. This felt like an extension of that duty, a way to fight for someone’s life on a different battlefield,” said Cyrus over a telephonic interview.
Fezal, another young Indian Army man, also had a similar experience. He registered as a potential blood stem cell donor with DKMS-BMST in 2019. Two years later, in September 2021, he came up as a match for a blood cancer patient. Without a moment’s hesitation, he set out on a strenuous journey, travelling from a remote location in North-East India for six days continuously, which even included a 60km walk, to reach Bangalore and donated his blood stem cells.
While expressing his gratitude to the donors on the occasion of Army Day, Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST Foundation India, said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Indian Army for their invaluable support to our cause. From defending our borders to rebuilding communities, our soldiers stand on the frontlines of hope and progress. They show us that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with bravery, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better world. Your unwavering efforts are a beacon of light for us all, and we are humbled by your unwavering commitment. You teach us the true meaning of strength and resilience.”
DKMS-BMST is a joint venture of two reputed non-profit organizations: BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and DKMS, one of the largest international blood stem cell donor centres in the world.
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