On World Cancer Day, Meghana Raj Sarja Urges Mothers to Support Adult Children as Blood Stem Cell Donors

Mumbai: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, actor Meghana Raj Sarja, in collaboration with DKMS Foundation India, has appealed to mothers and families across India to support their adult children (18 years and above) who choose to register as potential blood stem cell donors.

As part of the awareness initiative, Meghana appears in a heartfelt Kannada video message shared on her Instagram account, addressing mothers directly. Acknowledging a mother’s instinct to protect her child, she gently encourages families to learn more about blood stem cell donation and to support informed decisions made by adult children.

Speaking from the perspective of a mother, Meghana highlights that for many patients battling blood cancer and serious blood disorders such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia, a blood stem cell transplant is often the only life-saving treatment option. However, finding a matching donor remains extremely rare, with odds as low as one in a million.

In her message, Meghana also addresses common misconceptions around blood stem cell donation. She emphasises that it is not the same as organ donation, is a safe and voluntary process, and is similar to platelet donation. Donors do not face long-term health issues, weakness, or any impact on fertility, as the body naturally regenerates donated blood stem cells.

“I cannot imagine the pain that mothers of blood cancer and blood disorder patients go through every single day. At the same time, I understand the fear and questions that arise in a donor’s mother’s mind. 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 just to them, but to a patient waiting for a second chance at life,” Meghana Raj Sarja said.

Through this collaboration, DKMS Foundation India aims to shift the conversation around blood stem cell donation 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, DKMS India, said Meghana’s involvement brings credibility and emotional connection to the campaign.

“Awareness about blood stem cell donation is not just about individuals; it is about families making informed decisions together. When mothers encourage their adult children to register as potential donors, it creates a powerful ripple effect,” he said.

He added that India currently has only 0.09% of its eligible population registered as potential blood stem cell donors, creating a severe “genetic bottleneck.”

“If mothers lead this change, it can significantly strengthen India’s donor registry and give many more patients a fair chance at finding a life-saving match,” Paul said.

Who can register as a blood stem cell donor?

Healthy Indian adults between 18 and 55 years of age, with a BMI under 40, and not already registered as donors, are eligible to sign up.

Registration involves completing a consent form and collecting a simple cheek swab to provide tissue cells. Eligible individuals can register by ordering a free home swab kit at www.dkms-india.org/register.