“Heroes are everywhere, and they don’t have to be wearing a cape – they can save lives through registering as a stem cell donor with DKMS,” said Linda Laubscher, an uMhlanga resident who is passionate about increasing the database of stem-cell donors.

After her close friend lost her daughter, Isabella, to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), she decided to make it her mission to get as many people as possible to register as donors with DKMS.

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“There is a desperate need for blood stem cell donors, yet so many people are either too busy or simply don’t realise the impact they can make. The excuses are endless, but the opportunity to save a life is real,” she said.

“Making a difference in someone’s life doesn’t always require grand gestures; small acts of kindness, like donating, can create a profound and positive shift for those in need,” she added.

To make a difference, Laubscher knew she had to start somewhere, and soon, so she asked her colleagues at Engel en Völkers uMhlanga to support a blood stem cell donor drive.

“I am incredibly fortunate to work with a boss who, in quiet but impactful ways, makes a difference in people’s lives without seeking attention or praise. When I proposed the idea of the donor drive, there was no hesitation – it was a resounding yes. The entire Engel en Völkers team was also immediately on board,” she added.

Isabella’s story had touched Laubscher so deeply – she had donors, three, in fact, but one donor died, another fell ill and the third declined to donate.

“She needed a 10/10 stem cell match to save her life. Her family, friends and DKMS worked tirelessly to raise awareness and locate matching donors. Isabella passed away on July 23 of this year,” she added.

“Isabella’s story struck home with me in a way I can hardly describe. I also reached out to other businesses in the Chartwell Centre, especially the real estate agencies, asking them to join our efforts to grow the blood stem cell registry. To my amazement, all of them – Fulton Properties, Tyson Properties and Prop247, in particular – immediately agreed and sent their agents to register,” she added.

Laubscher said she was overwhelmed by this powerful sense of community and care.

“We had a high number of people donate, plus an opportunity for the DKMS team to hold another drive at the Shongweni Market this Saturday,” she said.

Since Isabella’s passing, she’s learned more about DKMS.

“The process of registering is simple, and if you’re found to be a match, the donation process is non-invasive and much easier than most people imagine. By registering, you give someone suffering from a life-threatening blood disorder a second chance at life. That second chance could be you,” she added.

How to register:
BECOMING a blood stem cell donor is as easy as one, two, three. According to DKMS, someone in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder every 27 seconds.

Four out of ten people looking for an unrelated donor match are not able to find one but by registering to donate blood stem cells, you could save a life.

To register as a donor on DKMS database, visit www.dkms-africa.org and request to order a swab kit. Swab your cheeks and return the kit. You will then be added to the registry.

If you are a match, DKMS will contact you. Blood stem cell donations do not require surgery and most are done peripherally.

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