Ever since I donated my Blood Stem Cells, I feel there is a special meaning added to my life. Realizing that the beauty of life is life itself, gifting life to a 4-year-old champ had nearly taken just a little time and true grit to save a life.
FLASHBACK 2018 – After another long day at work I was rushing back home. When I almost stepped out, I suddenly realized that it was the last day of the camp that was conducted by DATRI and went back to the room where the camp is being conducted. The volunteer took me through the whole process and explained about the registration and donation process. I signed myself as a blood stem cell donor.
A few months later I got a call from DATRI through one of my managers that I was found to be a match to a 4-year-old kid. Misinformation and advice on not to donate poured in from all directions. This is mainly because of a lack of awareness about a stem cell donation in India although it was existing from the past ten years in India itself.
Despite all the free bits of advice received, I have independently decided to proceed with the donation.
I was asked to travel to Hyderabad for my initial health check-ups and later to Chennai to complete my donation process. Bearing all my expenses, the hospitality I have received by the DATRI team at both the places is immensely appreciable.
After taking the GCSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factors)shots for 5 days which will enhance the production and release more stem cells into the blood flow, I have undergone a PBSC (Peripheral Blood Stem Cell ) donation method. It was almost like a Platelet donation done by the apheresis method. All I had to do was to lie in a bed and watch my old fav Telugu movie called SYE! Before the hero won on the antagonist, I became a hero which means my donation was completed!
FLASHFORWARD– After a year, in October 2019 I was lucky enough to meet little Kaviraju for me he is the Iron Man who fought with the Thalasemmia Thanos. My joy knew no bounds and my happiness have no words! A big salute for DATRI for their commendable work towards society.
Meanwhile, I was so impressed with DATRI, the pioneer and the largest blood stem cell donors registry in India, for their cause, belief and the compassionate people working there. So I expressed my interest in joining the team and when I got the opportunity I grabbed it and started working at DATRI.
About DATRI:
DATRI is a Not-for-Profit organization that was founded in 2009 with a mission to save lives of those suffering from life threatening Fatal blood disorders like Blood Cancer, Thalassemia, Leukemia, Aplastic Anemia, Sicle Cell Anaemia etc.
DATRI is registered with Government of India as a Section 8 organization and all monetary contributions towards DATRI are subject to 80G exemptions
ACT NOW. GIFT A LIFE
Tags: Blood Stem Cell Donation | Blood Stem Cell Donor Experience | Act Now and Save a Life | DATRI Donor Experience | Life Saving Journey of Thalasemmia boy | Stemm Cell Donation for 4 Year old Thalaseemia boy
About the Author:
Kiranmai Srinija, Graduated with bachelor’s in Psychology, literature and Management. A 24 years old girl from the city of destiny who believes in going with the flow. She is a dog lover and has 2 dogs at home and she also takes care of 5 community dogs. An ex-employee of HSBC, currently working at DATRI to do her best to save as many as Kavirajus as possible.