DKMS Foundation India Urges Blood Stem Cell Donation on Raksha Bandhan 2025

DKMS Foundation India Blood Stem Cells Donation

Mumbai: This Raksha Bandhan, DKMS Foundation India is redefining sibling bonds by spotlighting real-life stories of brother-sister duos who went beyond tradition – donating blood stem cells to save their siblings battling thalassemia major, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder.

Through its Access to Transplantation Program, DKMS Foundation India continues to bridge the financial and medical barriers preventing families from accessing life-saving stem cell transplants.

These efforts come at a time when India sees over 10,000 new thalassemia cases each year, with many children requiring lifelong transfusions unless cured via transplant.

Also Read: OnePlus Independence Day Sale Live: Pad Lite at INR 12999, Up to INR 7000 Off on Phones

Two remarkable stories stand out:

Ayan Khan and Sister Al Shifa: From Despair to Hope

Ayan Khan, born in 2016, was diagnosed with thalassemia major, dependent on frequent transfusions. His family’s breakthrough came during an HLA typing camp organized by DKMS and Narayana Health City in 2022. His elder sister, Al Shifa, turned out to be a perfect HLA match. On May 1, 2023, under the supervision of Dr Sunil Bhat, Ayan successfully underwent a blood stem cell transplant. Today, he is transfusion-free and thriving in school, while Al Shifa remains his real-life hero.

Papali Gaan and Brother Om Prakash: A Rakhi Gift That Saved a Life

Born in 2015, Papali’s journey mirrors Ayan’s. Her younger brother Om Prakash was identified as a match during another DKMS-organized camp in 2022. Papali underwent a stem cell transplant on August 15, 2023, led again by Dr. Bhat’s team. Now healthy and full of life, Papali’s recovery has inspired her father to become an advocate for blood stem cell donation, supporting other families navigating thalassemia.

Also Read: Platinum Jewellery Redefines Rakshabandhan Gifting with Timeless Symbolism

Speaking on these powerful sibling stories, Patrick Paul, Chairman, DKMS Foundation India, stated: “Raksha Bandhan is evolving into a celebration of life and siblinghood. These children remind us of the power of timely diagnosis, family support, and access to transplantation. However, India faces a unique challenge in donor availability. With only 0.09% of the eligible population registered as blood stem cell donors, increasing awareness and participation is critical.”

About DKMS Foundation India

DKMS Foundation India is a non-profit organization focused on the fight against blood cancer, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia. The foundation supports patients through awareness, HLA typing, donor registration, and access to transplantation funding. In a country with vast genetic diversity, DKMS Foundation India plays a vital role in improving patient survival outcomes through blood stem cell donation.

Author

  • Salil Urunkar

    Salil Urunkar is a senior journalist and the editorial mind behind Sahyadri Startups. With years of experience covering Pune’s entrepreneurial rise, he’s passionate about telling the real stories of founders, disruptors, and game-changers.

Back to top