Swapping Swabs for Steps: SAUAC Wellness Walk
With a two-part game plan, DKMS Africa volunteers joined cancer survivors, families and supporters at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Johannesburg to raise awareness, spark conversations about stem cell donation and show that the fight against cancer is one we face together.
Under the event's theme, 10,000 Steps of Hope – 10,000 Voices United Against Cancer, the volunteers decided to divide and conquer. With 5km and 8km routes on offer, one team laced up their walking shoes, mingling with participants, sharing a few laughs and encouraging those interested in stem cell donation to visit the DKMS Africa stand.
Meanwhile, the second team had a different assignment: hold down the fort at the finish line! As walkers completed their routes, volunteers were ready to welcome curious participants, answer questions and help those interested take the next step towards becoming potential stem cell donors.
Different roles, same mission. And perhaps a few volunteers who got to save their legs for another day!
Beyond the laughter and kilometres covered, the walk was an opportunity for DKMS Africa to connect with communities, stand alongside those affected by cancer and raise awareness about the importance of stem cell donor registration.
For patients diagnosed with blood cancer and certain blood disorders, finding a matching stem cell donor can be challenging, particularly for those from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. That's why reaching more communities and encouraging people to register remains an important part of DKMS Africa's mission.
DKMS Africa extends its appreciation to SAUAC for bringing communities together and to its volunteers for showing that a little teamwork can go a long way.
Some brought the steps, others brought the swabs. Together, they brought the hope.
About DKMS
DKMS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. It was founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf and DKMS together with the organization’s over 1,200 employees and has since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. With over 13 million registered donors, DKMS has succeeded in doing this more than 115,000 times to date by providing blood stem cell donations to those in need. This accomplishment has led to DKMS becoming the global leader in the facilitation of unrelated blood stem cell transplants. The organization has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, and South Africa. The organization has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, India and South Africa.
DKMS is also heavily involved in the fields of medicine and science, with its own research unit focused on continually improving the survival and recovery rate of patients. In its high-performance laboratory, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the organization sets worldwide standards in the typing of potential blood stem cell donors.
DKMS Africa received its WMDA certification in 2025, cementing its position as South Africa’s biggest and most diverse stem cell donor registry.
