Chennai Hosts Heartwarming Meeting Between Blood Stem Cell Donor & 11-Year-Old Survivor

In a touching moment of hope and humanity, an 11-year-old boy named Selva, who survived Fanconi Anemia, met the woman who saved his life for the first time. Selva, from Tiruchirappalli, was introduced to Dr. Smita Joshi, a 26-year-old clinical pharmacist from Bengaluru, whose blood stem cell donation gave him a second chance at life.

Selva, now in the 7th standard and enjoying a full recovery, was treated by Dr. Aruna Rajendran at the Institute of Child Health, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai. His survival was made possible by a life-saving stem cell transplant facilitated through the DKMS BMST Foundation India.

Dr. Smita Joshi, who became a registered donor through DKMS BMST Foundation, decided to donate her stem cells despite some initial hesitation from her family. Reflecting on her decision, Smita said, “I felt it was something I had to do. Knowing I could give someone a second chance at life was motivation enough.”

Selva’s parents expressed immense gratitude for Smita’s selfless act, calling her donation a life-changing gift. “Selva’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, and we owe it all to Dr. Smita Joshi,” they said.

Fanconi Anemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells. For Selva, a stem cell transplant was the only curative option. Dr. Aruna Rajendran, who led Selva’s treatment, highlighted the importance of stem cell donation, saying, “A transplant is often the only option for patients with life-threatening blood disorders. It is crucial that more people register as potential donors to provide life-saving treatments to many more patients in need.”

India faces a critical shortage of registered blood stem cell donors, with only a one-in-a-million chance of finding a matching donor. Every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with a blood disorder, and for many patients, a stem cell transplant is their only hope for recovery. Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India, called attention to this urgent need. “With over 70,000 people in India succumbing to blood disorders each year, it’s vital that more individuals register as donors. Stories like Selva’s remind us of the life-changing power of stem cell donation,” said Paul.

For Selva’s family, the cost of the stem cell transplant was a major barrier. However, DKMS BMST Foundation India’s Patient Funding Program helped cover a portion of the expenses, ensuring that Selva could access the life-saving treatment he needed. The program offers financial support to underprivileged patients when government or other funding sources are insufficient.

Patrick Paul emphasised the importance of reducing the financial burden on families, stating, “Our Patient Funding Program helps families overcome the financial challenges associated with stem cell transplants, providing a second chance at life for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the treatment.

Selva’s story highlights the ongoing mission of DKMS BMST Foundation India to raise awareness about stem cell donation. The foundation encourages healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 55 to register as potential donors, with a simple cheek swab process to determine eligibility. By registering, individuals could one day help save a life, just as Dr. Smita Joshi did for Selva.

As Selva’s parents, healthcare professionals, and DKMS BMST continue to celebrate this life-saving connection, the hope remains that more individuals will step forward to become donors, offering renewed hope to patients waiting for a second chance at life