Chicago Woman And Teen In Search Of Life-Saving Blood Cell Donors

CHICAGO — A Chicago woman and teen ain search of lifesaving blood cell donors have partnered with DKMS, the world’s largest blood stem cell donor center, to host a local registration drive in hopes of finding potential donors. The drive will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 10157 S. Luella, Chicago.

After losing her son Patrick to leukemia six years ago, Chicago resident Andrea Whitsett was recently diagnosed with leukemia herself, and needs a blood stem cell transplant to survive.

Fifteen-year-old Nyiah Y., of Chicago, is also in desperate need of a matching stem cell donor, due to an ongoing battle with sickle cell disease that was diagnosed at birth. The two families have partnered with DKMS to host a local registration drive in hopes of finding potential lifesaving donors for both Andrea and Nyiah.

For the past four years, Andrea has hosted DKMS registration drives in memory of her son. She partnered with Nyiah’s family to hold Saturday’s drive as part of the #Swabtember initiative to raise awareness of the need for blood stem cell donors and how simple it is to register. The drive also aims to raise awareness of the critical need for more African American donors. Unfortunately, African American patients like Andrea and Nyiah currently only have a 23 percent chance to find a match, as minorities are severely underrepresented in the global donor pool.

According to DKMS, 70 perent of people suffering from blood-related illnesses must rely on donors outside their families to save their lives. Anyone in good health between ages 18-55 is encouraged to attend the registration drive and join the donor pool. The simple swab of a cheek could identify the donor to start patients on their journey to recovery. Every year, more than 20,000 patients with blood cancer in the U.S. will require a stem cell transplant.

Versiti will also host a blood drive onsite on behalf of Nyiah, who requires regular blood transfusions as she awaits a blood stem cell transplant. According to Versiti, blood donors should also be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, eat iron-rich foods and drink extra water.

The drive will be held outdoors, and social distancing guidelines will be observed.

DKMS is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating blood cancers like Leukemia and other blood-related illnesses, inspiring men and women around the world to register as blood stem cell donors. DKMS is providing patients with a second chance at life, working closely with families from diagnosis to transplant and beyond. The donor journey begins with a swab of the cheek and can be the action that leads to a lifesaving transplant.

Globally, DKMS has registered over 10.9 million people. To join the fight against blood cancer or for more information, please go to dkms.org.