With a heart full of compassion, Theresa registered as a potential stem cell donor by chance after attending an event, never dreaming of the profound impact her decision would have on a desperate patient months later.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 October 2024) – Theresa never imagined that a simple act of curiosity at a Cape Town Carols event in 2022 would lead to her saving a life.
Theresa, a Cape Town mom of twins, met a donor recruiter from DKMS Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives through blood stem cell donations.
Far from the stressful process she’d imagined it would be, Theresa was put at ease about what being a stem cell donor entailed and went ahead to put her name down.
A few months after registering, Theresa was found to be a match for a patient in need of a life-saving transplant- a call she answered with no hesitation, DKMS shares.
Expressing excitement and gratitude at finding out she was a perfect match for a patient, her message to other potential donors is simple:
“Someone out there is waiting on you, and you could be their only hope. It’s an easy process, far easier than you’d expect. The idea of helping someone in such a simple way made the decision effortless,” she shares.
A blood cancer diagnosis is a shock and often marks the start of a race against time. Many patients’ only chance of survival is to find a matching blood stem cell donor as fast as possible.
“In a world where we should all look out for each other, this is a great way to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, and their family,” compassionate Theresa adds.
DKMS encourages individuals aged 17 to 55 to register and help patients in need. For more information, visit dkms-africa.org or call 0800 12 10 82.
Sources: DKMS
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