The 28-year-old Ukrainian Nelya became the first in the history of the Ukrainian bone marrow donors whose genetically compatible blood saved the patient's life abroad. It happened after the automated system has chosen it as a potential donor for a patient from Italy.
Nelya learned about the possibility of becoming a donor by accident, and, interested in this topic, she filled the questionnaire for registration in the Ukrainian Donor Register. Even then, she received a DNA sampling set, and the procedure was very simple-it was only necessary to take the samples from the inside of the cheek and send them back. Its data were entered in a register, which has more than 14.7 thousand potential donors in Ukraine and is part of the world network, which includes almost 40 million donors worldwide.
When the patient needed a transplant in Italy, the automated system determined that Nelya was an ideal donor. The procedure of stem cells took place at the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Okhmatdit", and on the same day the cells were delivered by a courier to the Italian clinic, where they were already waiting for the patient.
This case has become historic, because Ukrainian donors have only helped their compatriots, and now the rescue cells have been delivered abroad for the first time. It is known that Ukrainian patients were assisted from donors from Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, India and the USA.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine reminds that you can join the donor register by filling in the form on the official website. To do this, you need to get test, select samples and send them to the specified address.
