The Life-Saving Impact of Stem Cell Donation: The Inspiring Story of Nirav and Kanan Chokshi
In a remarkable twist of fate, Nirav and Kanan Chokshi, a married couple residing in Hounslow, west London, were both called upon to donate stem cells to adult leukaemia patients in need of potentially life-saving transplants. Their story not only highlights the importance of stem cell donation but also serves as a powerful call to action for others, particularly those of Asian heritage, to consider joining the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry.
The Odds of Being Called
The NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry is a vital resource for patients suffering from blood cancers like leukaemia. With a staggering one in 2,000 chance of being called to donate, many individuals may not realize the impact they could have on someone’s life. However, the odds become even more extraordinary when considering the Chokshi couple’s situation. According to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), there is only a one in four million chance that both members of a married couple would be called to donate stem cells.
Nirav’s Journey to Donation
Nirav Chokshi, a mechanical engineer, first signed up to become a stem cell donor in 2016. His altruistic decision was motivated by a desire to help those in need. In 2018, he received the call that would change his life and the life of a leukaemia patient forever. Reflecting on his experience, Nirav shared, “I think there is a lot of fear within our community that stem cell donation is going to be painful or difficult or cause them to become unwell, but from my experience, I can say it is not.”
He emphasized that the process involves only a brief moment of discomfort, which pales in comparison to the potential to save or improve someone’s life. “You could be the only chance they have, and what better feeling is there than knowing you’ve made such a huge difference to not only the recipient, but their friends and family too?” Nirav’s words resonate deeply, underscoring the profound impact of selfless acts.
Kanan’s Decision to Join the Cause
Inspired by her husband’s experience, Kanan Chokshi, a school lunchtime supervisor, decided to sign up for the registry as well. When Nirav first informed her that he had been selected as a match, she felt apprehensive. “I was scared – I thought it would be painful and he would be sick – but the whole experience was nothing like I expected,” she recounted.
Kanan donated her stem cells in 2024, and she expressed pride in their unique situation as a couple. “I didn’t realize that us both donating was a one in four million occasion, and I feel really proud of us both,” she said. Her journey reflects a growing awareness of the importance of stem cell donation, especially within the South Asian community.
The Need for Diverse Donors
For a successful stem cell transplant, it is crucial that both the donor and recipient have matching tissue types, known as HLA types. Unfortunately, patients are most likely to find a match within their own ethnic backgrounds. NHSBT has highlighted the significant challenges faced by patients of Asian, black, and mixed ethnicities in finding suitable donors due to the underrepresentation of these groups on the registry.
Guy Parkes, NHSBT’s head of stem cell donation and transplantation, stated, “We currently provide 200 to 300 donations every year, but in order to find the perfect, potentially lifesaving transplant for as many people as possible, we need more people of Asian or black heritage and from mixed ethnic backgrounds to join the register – your stem cells could help save a life.”
A Call to Action
Nirav and Kanan Chokshi are now on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of stem cell donation, particularly among individuals of Asian heritage. They encourage others to consider signing up for the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry, emphasizing that anyone could be the perfect match for someone in desperate need of a transplant.
In conclusion, the Chokshi couple’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of stem cell donation. Their story not only inspires hope but also highlights the urgent need for more diverse donors to step forward. By joining the registry, individuals can play a crucial role in the fight against blood cancers and potentially change lives forever.
For more information on how to become a stem cell donor, visit NHS Blood and Transplant. Your decision to register could be the difference between life and death for someone in need.