Couple donate Stem Cells to Cancer Patients in Rare Coincidence

A couple living in Hounslow, London, achieved a rare coincidence when both donated stem cells to cancer patients.

Couple donate Stem Cells to Cancer Patients in Rare Coincidence f

"You could be the only chance they have"

A couple both donated stem cells to cancer patients in a rare double match.

Nirav and Kanan Chokshi live in Hounslow, London, but are originally from India.

They were each registered as donors and were called separately to help different people.

Successful organ and stem cell transplants rely heavily on the donor and recipient having compatible tissue types.

Specific genetic markers determine these tissue types, and individuals are most likely to find a suitable match from someone who shares a similar ethnic background.

However, there is a shortage of registered donors from Asian, Black, and mixed-ethnicity communities.

This disparity has prompted the couple to advocate for increased awareness and to encourage individuals from these underrepresented backgrounds to join donor registries.

Both Mr and Mrs Chokshi matched with patients who had acute leukaemia.

Mr Chokshi signed up to become a stem cell donor in 2016 and donated in 2018. His wife signed up and donated in 2024.

Mechanical engineer Mr Chokshi thought there “was a lot of fear within our community” that stem cell donation would be painful or make donors feel unwell.

He said: “It’s a short moment of discomfort to save or improve somebody’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?”

Mrs Chokshi admitted she did not realise what she and her husband had done was so rare.

She revealed:

“They told us that us both donating was a one in four million occasion and I feel really proud of us both.”

When a person needs a stem cell transplant, the global registries will be searched for a tissue match.

Most people on the stem cell register will never be called upon to donate, but the more people on the register, the higher the chance of finding a match for every patient who needs one.

Stem cells can be found in the bone marrow – a soft, spongy tissue at the centre of certain bones – and can produce all essential blood cells, including red and white cells and platelets.

Stem cell transplants are used to treat several diseases, including some forms of leukaemia, and are the only chance of a cure for many patients.

Lead Editor Dhiren is our news and content editor who loves all things football. He also has a passion for gaming and watching films. His motto is to "Live life one day at a time".




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