The representating number of only 13%, of the Black Asian and Ethnic Minority of the 1.9million on the registry is still a concern as compared to the 60% of people from Northern European backgrounds.
Last year, Blessing Olalemi Director of Safe Haven-a Ray of Hope embarked on a campaign with DKMS, Chi Onwurah (MP of Newcastle)to get more people from the Black Asian, Ethnic Minority Backgrounds on the donor registry to prevent a long wait or possible death of people from this ethnic background needing a donor match for a life saving transplant.
The campaign was successful, but still, the gap remains a concern.
The campaign was a drive by Blessing’s two children who suffered from chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD), their long traumatic wait for a donor match for a life saving transplant, looking slim as there isn’t enough donors of people from same ethic background(Black Asian and Ethnic Minority) on the donor registry.
Transplant progressed with unmatched unrelated donors, Her daughter, Valerie passed on at the age of 8. Praise her four years old, survived and here with us today.
No child deserves to go through long suffering waits.
The registry needs more BAME donors .
You can volunteer to become a donor and save a life by contacting your donor registry in your various countries and expressing your interest.
Watch out for the new awareness campaign to bridge this margin to save lives.
