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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 20, 2024 | The Indian Eye 22

AAPI Focuses on Stem Cell/Bone

Marrow Donation Drive

OUR BUREAU
Dayton, OH
I
am grateful to the dozens of local AAPI Chap-
ter leaders, members and volunteers across the
nation who have initiated and organized Bone
Marrow and Stem Cell Registration across the na-
tion, joining hands with the national AAPI in our
efforts in creating awareness and enrolling more
youth and adults to be part of this noble initiative,”
said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, an Oncologist based in
Dayton, OH and the President of American Asso-
ciation of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI,) the
largest ethnic organization in the United States.
The Stem Cell/Bone Marrow initiative has been
a major focus under the leadership of Dr. Kathu-
la-led AAPI’s Executive Committee. AAPI has
partnered with National Marrow Donor Program
(NMDP) to increase the Indian donor pool. One
can join the NMDP Registry if you’re between the
ages of 18-40, a resident of the United States, and
don’ t have major medical illnesses.
Giving the background and the urgent need to
this new initiative, Dr. Sashi Kuppala, Chairman of
the AAPI Stem Cell Drive, said, “Thousands of pa-
tients with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma
need blood stem cell transplant to survive. Matching
the stem cell or bone marrow donors to patients is
based on Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing.
HLA are Proteins or markers found on most cells in
our body and they are inherited from our biological
parents and are largely depend on ethnicity.”
Stressing the importance of registering for
the Bone Marro donation, Dr. Suni Kaza, Chair
of AAPI BOT said, “You could be a patient’s only
match-their only hope for a cure. When you register,
you’re committing to donating to any patient in the
world. But because a decision not to donate can be
life-threatening to the patient, please think seriously
about your commitment before joining the registry. you’ll be asked to provide blood samples for further patients who are in need of Bone Marrow.”
And, be aware that there are absolutely no compli- testing. Blood work is typically done locally. Trav- The growing influence of physicians of Indian
cations to the donor from this donation procedure.” el will likely be required for donation. It costs you heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of In-
According to Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Presi- nothing to donate. NMDP pays for all donation-re- dian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, aca-
dent-Elect of AAPI, “In general, 70% of parents lated expenses. The donation process takes an aver- demic, research, and administrative positions across
needing a stem cell transplant don’t have a fully age of 20-30 hours spread over 4-6 weeks.” the nation. We the physicians of Indian origin are
matched donor in their family and approximately “It is very difficult to find a matched stem cell proud of our great achievements and contributions
12,000 patients per year depend on transplant from donor for South Asians should they need a bone to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US,
an unrelated donor to survive. These numbers are marrow or stem cell transplant and this drive will and in a very significant way to the transformation of
even dire for cancer patients of Indian ethnicity as help increase the number of potential donors.” Dr. Indo-US relations.
the donor pool of Indian ethnicity is very limited.” Shirish Patel, Treasurer of AAPI said, “Bone Mar- Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI
Regarding the process to be part of this noble row donation helps save lives.” members care for millions of patients every day,
effort, Dr. Meher Medavaram, Vice President of Dr. Sashi Kuppala said, he and the AAPI lead- while several of them have risen to hold high-flying
AAPI said, “Registration is easy. You just need to ership will be happy to educate about the donation jobs, shaping the policies and programs, and inven-
log in with the QR code provided and register with process and answer any questions. “We strongly tions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the
your details at the NMDP website. They will send believe that it’s a very a noble and much neded ini- US and around the world.
you a cheek swab kit which you need to return to tiative by AAPI to help save lives. While we thank Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at
them. They will perform the HLA typing of your those who are leading the efforts in your own state/ the forefront, representing a conglomeration of
DNA and store the information in their data base.” towns, I urge others to take the lead in your towns more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the Unit-
Dr. Raj Bhayani, Secretary of AAPI said, “If and help AAPI in our efforts to save lives. Thank ed States, seeking to be the united voice for physi-
you’re a match to a patient, who needs stem cells, you and truly appreciate your support in helping the cians of Indian origin.

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