BTP staff attend session on stem cell donation as part of blood cancer awareness

To create awareness about blood cancer and other blood disorders, DKMS Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer, recently conducted an education session for the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP).

The event, held at the Traffic Management Centre, aimed to inform the BTP on the critical need for stem cell donors and the life-saving potential of stem cell therapy for patients in need.

More than 100 members from the BTP staff attended the session, where they learnt about the impact of blood cancer and how a simple cheek swab can be the first step in saving the life of a patient in need. DKMS representatives explained the process of stem cell donation, dispelling common myths and highlighting its safety and ease.

“Our partnership with the Bangalore Traffic Police is a testament to our mission to give patients a second chance at life,” said Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS India. “These brave men and women manage traffic and give selfless care every day. Today, they have shown their willingness to extend that care to those battling blood cancer and blood disorders. Their decision to register as potential stem cell donors is a powerful act of solidarity and hope,” he said.

The event concluded with an overwhelming response, as more than 70 participants were inspired to register immediately as potential stem cell donors.

Blood cancer and other blood disorders like thalassemia and aplastic anemia can be cured through a stem cell transplant from a matching donor. However, finding a genetic match is a rare and often difficult process. By increasing the number of registered donors, DKMS aims to provide every patient with a second chance at life. 

Any healthy individual between the age group of 18-55 can register by ordering the home swab kit at https://www.dkms-india.org/register-now. On receiving the kit, the given consent form should be filled and a swab from the inside of the cheeks should be taken to collect tissue cells. The swab kit should be returned, and the DKMS laboratory will then analyse the individual’s tissue type, and it will be available in the global search for blood stem cell donors, said a press release from DKMS.