We're not talking about your job today, we're talking about your stem cell donation. How did you do it?
Simple: The DKMS has done a typing campaign here at Vetter in the atrium. For typing, have a cheek swab done and then register online in a few steps. In the atrium, it was done right there on tablets.
Registration is one thing, real donation is another. How do you learn if you are eligible as a donor?
The DKMS will contact you. Everything is voluntary. The first thing you'll be asked is if you're really willing to make the donation. For me, however, that was not a question – it is natural to help save lives. It was a touching moment for me to actually become a donor.
So, for the donation itself. How does it work?
You can choose between two options: either taking some bone marrow under anesthesia or taking stem cells through the bloodstream. That's what I decided to do, and I got a drug that I had to inject five days in advance to encourage the production of stem cells in the blood. Unfortunately, this medicine has some side effects, headaches for example. In the end, you will be connected to a machine that takes your donation from your blood. Despite the side effects, I would always help!
How did Vetter support you in the whole process?
Clearly, it wouldn't have been possible without Vetter. I was left off of work for a few days and wonderfully looked after by our occupational health service, who administered the injections to me. Our products are designed to help sick people. It is good to see that we also remain true to this claim when the DKMS comes.
About the DKMS
Every 27 seconds, somewhere in the world, a person is diagnosed with blood cancer. DKMS is an organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. It manages an archive of potential bone marrow donors.
Do you also want to help and register with the DKMS? Order a registration set
