The Importance of Showing Up: Meet Alvin, a Stem Cell Donor

“I just remember thinking how tough that must be for her parents,” Alvin says. “I want kids one day, and I couldn’t imagine being in their position. It just felt like the right thing to do.”

He registered with DKMS soon after. Only a few months later, he got a call saying he was a match for someone in need. What followed were rounds of blood tests and medical checkups to make sure everything was in order.

“The process wasn’t exactly fun, but it was 100% worth it,” he explains. “The injections weren’t nearly as bad as I thought, and that’s coming from someone who really doesn’t like needles. The DKMS team handled everything, they made it easy and kept me comfortable from start to finish.”

Looking back, Alvin says the experience changed his perspective. “It’s something small I could do that might give someone else a second chance,” he says. “I really hope I get to meet the person I donated to one day, just to see how they’re doing. Honestly, I think they’re the strong one in this story.”

If you are between 17 - 55 and in good health, you can make a difference today. Register and help give patients a second chance at life.

Remember, all costs related to the donation process are taken care of by DKMS Africa.