Register To Be A Blood Stem Cell Donor: A Small Action That Could Save a Life - 25 July

Amanda Bekker
Jul 18
2 min read

Two Stories. One Goal: Survival

On 25 July 2025, the NWU Campus in Potchefstroom will be hosting a blood stem cell donor registration drive that could change lives. Literally.

Take Lee-Ann, 24, for example. Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), a rare blood cancer that stops the bone marrow from doing its job, she’s in desperate need of a stem cell transplant. Her journey started with drastic weight loss and ended with a devastating diagnosis. For her and her family, a donor isn’t just helpful. It’s the only shot.

Then there’s Alyssa, a cheerful 8-month-old who was diagnosed with MPS I, a rare genetic disorder. Both her parents, Trysten and Jade, are carriers. That gave Alyssa a 25% chance of being affected. The Centre for Human Metabolics at NWU was key in diagnosing her, and now they’re asking the public to step in and give her a future.

Here’s the Plan

If you’re between 16 and 45, in decent health, and keen to do something meaningful, you can register with DKMS Africa or the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR). It’s not rocket science. Fill in a quick online form, do a cheek swab, and you’re on the registry. If you’re a match one day, they’ll get in touch.

And don’t panic. The donation process is not some horror-movie scene. Over 90% of the time, it’s done via a method called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection (PBSC). Blood goes into a machine through a tube, stem cells get collected, and the rest of your blood is returned to your body. Like giving platelets, just a bit more time-consuming and with slightly more snacks involved.

Event Info

Date: 25 July 2025
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Venue: NWU Campus Amphitheatre, Studentesentrum F14, Potchefstroom

Can't Donate? No Stress, You Can Still Help

If the idea of needles makes you faint faster than your phone battery on 1%, you can still be useful. Monetary donations are welcome too. Every cent goes towards registering more lifesavers.

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