What could be more important than saving a life?

Well done! Your aunties really will be proud that you are learning more about blood cancer charity DKMS. You’ve taken the first step to becoming a lifesaver, what better deed could there be? Read on to find out why we need more donors, and how easy it is to sign up.

Get to know blood cancer charity DKMS

DKMS is a charity dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders. We have the largest stem cell register in the UK. DKMS encourages people to sign up as potential stem cell donors, so that as many people as possible in need of a transplant can get their second chance at life.

That’s why we exist. The more people who register as blood stem cell donors, the better the chance for someone in need of a blood stem cell transplant.

Patients from UK ethnic minority backgrounds find it harder to find a matching donor

It’s not just about how many people are on the stem cell register, it’s about the diversity of registered donors too. That’s because when someone with blood cancer or a blood disorder needs a stem cell transplant, for that transplant to be successful, it’s vital the donor is a match for the patient.

Right now, patients from UK ethnic minority communities are facing blood cancer and blood disorders, and experiencing long waits for a stem cell donor who could save their life. The sad truth is, finding a match is much harder if you’re from a UK ethnic minority background.

That’s because people from these communities are underrepresented on the stem cell register. DKMS are working hard to change that. The more people who register, the better chance patients have of finding their life-saving match.

You could be someone’s lifesaving match – register today!

• To register as a stem cell donor is a very easy process. You just need to do three quick cheek swabs, post them back to us, and you’re done!
• Everyone aged 17-55 and in general good health can join the register.
• If you’re a match, you could save the life of someone with blood cancer or a blood disorder.
• Just 16% of the current register is from any UK minority ethnic background, so it’s more difficult for patients from these communities to find a match.

The stars of DKMS’ Aunties ad say why you should become a stem cell donor

What is it like to donate?

There are some myths and misunderstandings about donating stem cells, but it’s nothing to be scared of!

Most people are never called to donate, but if you are matched with a patient, there are two simple ways of donating stem cells:

• PBSC: in nine out of ten cases, donating your stem cells is done via this quick and easy outpatient process, which is similar to donating blood.
• Donating by bone marrow: in approximately ten per cent of cases, due to the needs of the recipient, a donor’s bone marrow is extracted under general anaesthetic via a simple needle in their hip bone. This usually involves a short hospital stay of one or two days.

DKMS will be there to guide you through the process, we’ll arrange everything, including transport, and a hotel near the donation centre.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch: info@dkms.org.uk