A group of physicians is partnering with the National Marrow Donor Group to fight off blood cancers in the Indian American community.
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin recently launched the bone marrow drive to remedy the underrepresentation of bone marrow donors from its diaspora.
Patients with blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma are in dire need of a blood stem cell transplant to survive.
“It is very difficult to find a matched stem cell donor for South Asians should they need a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, and this drive will help increase the number of potential donors.” Dr. Shirish Patel, Treasurer of the group said to the India Post. “Bone Marrow donation helps save lives.”
According to the physicians’ group, 70% of parents needing a stem cell transplant don’t have stem cell match in their family. Some 12,000 patients annually rely on stem cell donors from unrelated relatives for their transplants.
“We strongly believe that it’s a very a noble and much needed initiative by AAPI to help save lives,” said Dr. Sashi Kuppala. “While we thank those who are leading the efforts in your own state/towns, I urge others to take the lead in your towns and help AAPI in our efforts to save lives. Thank you and truly appreciate your support in helping the patients who are in need of Bone Marrow.”
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