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Health For Mzansi

Here’s what you need to know about stem cell donation in SA

by Noluthando Ngcakani
25th August 2022
in Conversations
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
On this episode of Sisters Without Shame, paediatric haematologist Dr Candice Hendricks unpacks the importance of stem cell donation. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

On this episode of Sisters Without Shame, paediatric haematologist Dr Candice Hendricks unpacks the importance of stem cell donation. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Stem cell transplants are medical procedures performed to replace bone marrow that have been damaged or destroyed by disease, infection, or chemotherapy. This is according to Dr Candice Hendricks, a paediatric haematologist who joins this week’s episode of Sisters Without Shame to unpack the common misconceptions of stem cell donation in Mzansi.

“Very few people understand what this means, and what it means to become a donor,” she says.

Hendricks is the founder and creator of the Lusandi Medical Animation Studio (LMAS).

Paediatric haematologist Dr Candice Hendricks talks about the common misconceptions associated with stem cell donation on this week’s episode of Sisters Without Shame. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Understanding stem cell donation

A general lack of information and education are major barriers preventing eligible potential donors from registering on the global registry.

To address this, blood stem cell registry and donor recruitment centre, DKMS Africa has partnered with Lusandi Medical Animations Studio to create a three-part educational animation series focusing on a child’s experience with a blood disorder and her journey to find a blood stem cell donation.

“When we talk about a stem cell donation, we take the inherent stem cells that you have, we give you a few injections to mobilise them, so we go into the veins and then we take out those stem cells and give it to a person that needs it.”

Paediatric haematologist, Dr Candice Hendricks

Breaking barriers of misconception

Stem cell donations are much more complicated than having a biological mother, father, and siblings.

“That is absolutely not the case in stem cell donations,” says Hendricks. “If you have the same mother and the same father siblings, we call this a full sibling, the chances of that sibling being a match for you are 25 to 30 percent only. This is how complicated the genetic realm is.”

She adds that education is crucial into getting stem cell donors registered. “If you are in a position of need do not assume that your family member will be the person who can automatically help you to get better. It doesn’t work like that. The genetic match is critical to stem cell transplants and prevent the rejection of the cells in the recipient.”

On this episode Hendricks delves into:

  • How to become a donor and what it means to be a genetic match for a recipient.
  • The medical procedure involved in stem cell donation.

Listen to the full interview on Sisters Without Shame 

Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices). 

Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.

Google Podcasts: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

Want to connect with Sisters Without shame? 

To send an SOS to Sisters Without Shame, email hello@healthformzansi. Alternatively, send a WhatsApp to 076 132 0454.

ALSO LISTEN: Spread hope: ‘Blood stem cell donation can save my life’

Tags: bone marrowCancerchemotherapySisters Without Shamestem cell donation
Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers