THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BENGALURU,
FEBRUARY 6, 2026
On the occasion of World Cancer Day,
acclaimed Indian actress Meghana Raj Sarja, in collaboration with DKMS
Foundation India, has appealed to mothers and families across the country to
support their adult children aged 18 years and above who choose to register as
potential blood stem cell donors. DKMS Foundation India is a non-profit
organisation committed to the fight against blood cancer and serious blood
disorders such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia.
As part of the awareness initiative,
Meghana features in a heartfelt Kannada video message shared on her Instagram
channel, addressing mothers directly. In the message, she acknowledges a
mother’s instinct to protect her children while gently encouraging families to
learn more about blood stem cell donation and to support informed decisions
made by their adult children.
Speaking from the perspective of a
mother, Meghana highlights a crucial reality — for many patients suffering from
blood cancer and life-threatening blood disorders, a blood stem cell transplant
is often the only life-saving treatment available. However, finding a
compatible donor remains extremely rare, with matching chances as low as one in
a million. Through her message, Meghana addresses common misconceptions and
fears surrounding blood stem cell donation. She clarifies that it is not the
same as organ donation, is a safe and voluntary process similar to platelet
donation, and does not cause long-term health issues, weakness, or impact
fertility. Donated blood stem cells are naturally regenerated by the body.
“I cannot imagine the pain that mothers of
blood cancer and blood disorder patients go through every single day. At the
same time, I also understand the apprehension that comes to a donor’s mother’s
mind — the mixed emotions of fear, questions, and the instinct to protect,”
Meghana Raj Sarja said. “Mothers are often the first emotional anchor for their
children. When adult children make an informed decision to register as
potential blood stem cell donors, a mother’s support can make a world of
difference — not only to them, but also to a patient somewhere waiting for a
second chance at life. This is truly the need of the hour. Instead of grappling
with uncertainty or fear, mothers must choose awareness, understanding, and
compassion.”
Through this collaboration, DKMS
Foundation India aims to shift the narrative from fear and uncertainty to
awareness and informed decision-making, particularly within families. By
appealing to mothers, the initiative recognises their role as guides and
pillars of strength when their children step forward to help save lives.
Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of
DKMS in India, said, “We deeply appreciate Meghana Raj Sarja for lending her
voice to this critical cause. Her credibility and strong connection with
families — especially mothers — allows this message to resonate at a very human
level. Awareness around blood stem cell donation is not just about individuals;
it is about families making informed and supportive decisions together.”
He added, “When mothers encourage and
stand by their adult children who choose to register as potential donors, it
creates a powerful ripple effect. This support can significantly strengthen
India’s stem cell donor registry, which currently covers only 0.09 per cent of
the eligible population. It can help overcome the existing genetic bottleneck
and give more patients a fair chance at finding a life-saving match. If mothers
lead this change, the impact on donor registrations and patient outcomes can be
truly transformative.”
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 55,
in generally good health, with a BMI under 40, and not already registered, is
eligible to sign up as a potential blood stem cell donor. Registration involves
completing a consent form and collecting tissue cells through a simple cheek
swab. Eligible individuals can order a free home swab kit by registering at
www.dkms-india.org/register.
