A 32-year-old software engineer from Vizag, Satish Reddy, has accomplished a rare and inspiring feat by donating his stem cells twice, giving two different blood cancer patients a vital chance at survival. His generous donations were facilitated through the DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer, thalassemia, and aplastic anaemia.
Satish first registered as a potential donor in July 2016. In June 2021, he was matched with a patient in India and donated his stem cells, playing a crucial role in the patient’s recovery. Two years later, in 2023, he had the emotional experience of meeting his recipient in Ahmedabad, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of his donation.
Remarkably, Satish was matched again in September 2024 with another patient in need. He donated his stem cells for the second time in January 2025, demonstrating an extraordinary level of commitment and compassion.
### The Power of Small Acts
Reflecting on his journey, Satish shared, “Donating stem cells is a small act that can create a huge impact. With the support of my parents, I donated for the second time and would be happy to do it again. There’s no greater reward than knowing you have helped save a life.”
### Highlighting the Need for Donors
Satish was felicitated at an event in Hyderabad organized by DKMS Foundation India, which featured a fireside chat emphasizing the urgent need for more stem cell donors in India. Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS India, highlighted a startling fact: only 0.09% of the eligible Indian population is registered as blood stem cell donors. He also stressed that every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer, underscoring the critical importance of expanding the donor registry.
### How to Become a Donor
The foundation encourages healthy Indian adults aged 18–55 to register as potential stem cell donors. The process is simple—complete a consent form and provide a cheek swab. The tissue sample is then analyzed for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) compatibility and added anonymously to the international donor registry.
If you wish to join this life-saving registry, you can register online at [www.dkms-india.org/register](https://www.dkms-india.org/register).
By stepping forward, you too can make a profound difference in the lives of patients battling blood cancer.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-medical-miracle-32-year-old-software-engineer-donates-stem-cells-twice-giving-two-blood-cancer-patients-a-second-chance-at-life