Brandon’s Bold Lifesaving Gift

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At 23, Brandon was deep into the fast-paced world of sales, until one evening last year, a story about a DKMS Africa donor popped up on his feed.

“When I read a story about a woman who donated her stem cells to help a patient in need, I thought about how brave she is. When I read more about patients still waiting for a match, there was just something so raw about it that it moved me to my core, prompting me to also register,” shared Brandon.

Moved by this story, Brandon signed up as a potential stem cell donor and a year later he was found to be a match. Almost a year later, Brandon received a call that he was found to be a match for a patient. Be like Brandon, and register as a stem cell donor.

“I was shocked. I thought, what are the odds? But more than that, I felt honoured. My family had questions. People around me asked if it was safe if I’d feel weak if it could affect my health long-term.” He pauses, remembering that conversation. “I told them, ‘If you ever had the chance to help someone live, why wouldn’t you?’ I think that moment got them thinking differently.”

“Then the day of donation I went in, sat in a comfy chair, and the machine did its thing. It took a few hours, but it wasn’t painful, just surreal. Like, I’m literally giving someone a second chance.”

Looking back, Brandon says the donation process was smooth, supported, and deeply moving.

“There were definitely people checking in, nurses, the DKMS team, everyone made sure I was okay. They cared. You’re not just a number in a system, you’re part of something bigger.”

Now, Brandon shares his story with friends and colleagues. And when asked why he did it, he simply says: “Because if it were me, or someone I loved, I’d hope a stranger would care enough to swab their cheek.”

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

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