Your 5 Minutes Can Decide Many Years: A Blood Stem Cell Donation Journey!
A simple cheek swab at an NSS donor campaign in Kerala led to giving a leukaemia survivor a second chance at life!
Hear It from the Donor: Heba Abdulla’s Journey of Hope
Meet Heba Abdulla, an engineering graduate from Malappuram, Kerala, and a Station Master with Indian Railways. Registered as a potential blood stem cell donor through an NSS campaign in 2016, Heba went on to donate blood stem cells in 2024, giving a leukaemia patient a second chance at life.
From a simple cheek swab to a life-changing donation, hear directly from Heba as she shares her inspiring journey of hope, courage, and the joy of saving a life.
The Spark: How It All Began in 2016
Back in 2016, I was a student driven by a simple yet profound desire: I wanted to save a life. When the National Service Scheme (NSS) organised a donor campaign at MES College of Engineering in Kuttippuram, Kerala, I didn’t hesitate. I willingly signed up as a blood stem cell donor with DATRI.
It took just a few minutes—a painless inner-cheek swab. Just like that, I entered a registry, carrying the potential to give someone a brand-new future.
The Call That Changed Everything in 2024
Years passed, and life went on. Then, in 2024, the call came. DATRI identified me as a donor match for a patient in urgent need of a blood stem cell transplant.
It didn’t take me long to decide. I was on cloud nine, thrilled beyond words to finally have a real opportunity to save a human life.
Naturally, like anyone facing a medical procedure, I had questions and concerns about the blood stem cell donation process. I consulted trusted friends and family members working in the medical field. More importantly, I sought out the firsthand experiences of donors who had successfully donated blood stem cells through DATRI.
Every single person encouraged me, reassuring me about the safety of the process and the profound impact it could have.
The Donation Experience: Safe, Supported, and Seamless
Once I gave my formal consent, DATRI supported me throughout the entire journey. From conducting a comprehensive medical check-up to preparing me for the donation and ensuring my safety, they handled every detail. They also helped me address minor deficiencies identified in my medical reports within the stipulated time.
The process was similar to a blood donation, but took longer. It took 3–4 hours to collect a sufficient volume of blood stem cells. Despite any anxiety I might have had, I never felt tired during the process.
I was continuously monitored by experienced doctors at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
I felt perfectly fine immediately after the donation. Knowing that my stem cell count was optimal for a successful transplant brought me immense peace of mind.
In fact, I resumed my routine almost immediately and was back at work the very next day.
The Ultimate Reward: Knowing They Survived
As per registry protocols, donors receive regular updates on their own health. However, official news about the recipient is shared only after one year, and only if the recipient or their family has given consent.
I literally had tears in my eyes when I finally learned that my recipient was still alive and slowly recovering from leukaemia.
Step Forward and Find Your Purpose
I strongly urge everyone to step forward for voluntary blood stem cell donation. It is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to save a life and find a deeper sense of purpose in your own.
It takes just a few minutes to register with DATRI as a potential blood stem cell donor by providing a simple cheek swab.