The SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) has seen a whopping 65% increase in youth sign-ups.
Since allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to become bone marrow stem cell donors, Nadia Chalkley, head of donor recruitment for the SABMR says the response has been phenomenal.
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She says the bulk of youth registration has come from donor drives held at schools and university campuses after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
‘In just over a year since lowering the eligible donor age, more than 3 000 South African youths have joined our registry. Most are between the ages of 16 and 35,’ said Chalkley.
According to Chalkley, student reception in the big metros, where most of their donor efforts were concentrated, was so positive to their message which also provided an opportunity to educate and debunk many of the myths surrounding bone marrow stem cell donation.
‘The donor drives gave us insight into the importance that today’s youth place on philanthropy.
‘Many young people are eager to become involved in the world around them and want to be a driving force for change. They don’t want to wait until they are older to make a difference, even if they are not in a position to give financially; they want to give in other ways,’ said Chalkley.
Adil Dowlath, an 18-year-old from KZN, says there is no better way to show gratitude than to give back.
‘During the 2020 hard lockdown, I came across an advert by the SABMR asking the public to join the registry, and felt prompted to sign up. Being charitable raises the emotional well-being of not only the receiver, but the giver as well,’ said Dowlath.
Adding to the call and urging the youth to donate is Isibabale Nkani (20), a student from the Eastern Cape, who says the lack of awareness around bone marrow stem cell donation in her community is what pressed her to sign up as an SABMR volunteer.
‘A family member was diagnosed with leukaemia. Sadly, she passed away as no donor match was found.
‘The experience made me realise we can’t wait for others to step up. We need to be the change makers.
‘In the last few months, I’ve tried to do my bit to drive awareness and increase donor sign-ups within my community as bone marrow stem cell donation is still a foreign concept to many of my friends and family,’ she said.
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