What began as a casual decision to bunk a class during engineering college days in Bengaluru eventually turned into a life-changing moment for Dilip K., a 27-year-old IT professional from Kadahalli in Kolar district.

Ahead of World Thalassaemia Day, Mr. Dilip on Thursday (May 7) met 12-year-old Sameeksha for the first time — the young girl whose life he helped save through stem cell donation. Until Thursday, the two were connected only through a genetic match identified during the donor search process.

Donation camp

Back in 2019, Mr. Dilip had registered for stem cell donation at a camp organised in his college. “It was just a class bunk for us then, when I registered as a donor casually in a camp organised in my college, I never imagined it would one day help save someone’s life,” he told The Hindu.

Two years later, DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, contacted him with unexpected news: he was a perfect match for a nine-year-old girl from Sangamner in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district who was battling beta thalassaemia major, an inherited blood disorder characterised by reduced haemoglobin production. She urgently needed a stem cell transplant.

He said he initially hesitated because he knew little about stem cell donation and feared possible health complications. But after repeated counselling and reassurance from doctors and the Foundation, he agreed to donate. The transplant was carried out successfully in 2023, giving Sameeksha a second chance at life. Meeting her for the first time on Thursday proved deeply emotional for the donor, who was accompanied by his proud mother.

“Until now, she was just a match on paper. Seeing her smile today makes everything real,” he said.

Sameeksha, now recovering, said she was finally able to live like other children. “I feel happy now. I can play and go to school,” she said softly, tears in her eyes.

Her mother Neeta Ambekar recalled the difficult years spent searching for a donor. “We kept waiting and praying for a match. Meeting him today is something we had only imagined,” she said.

Financial support

Since the family could not afford the transplant expenses, DKMS Foundation India provided partial financial support under its patient funding programme for economically weaker families.

Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS India, said financial barriers continue to prevent many from accessing life-saving treatment for blood disorders in India.

Siddhesh Kalantri, consultant Haematologist and Stem Cell Transplant Physician, BloodCare Haematology Clinic and Diagnostic Centre in Nashik, who conducted the transplant, said the stem cell transplant was Sameeksha’s only curative option. “However, finding a matched unrelated donor for a child is often extremely difficult. When Mr Dilip’s match came through, it was a huge relief. Sameeksha’s journey shows what becomes possible when early diagnosis, timely treatment and a willing donor come together,” the doctor added.