DKMS Foundation, a non-profit organisation supporting patients with blood cancer and blood disorders, hosted the DKMS Lifesaver Honours in Bengaluru to recognise partners, supporters, and medical professionals whose contributions have strengthened the donor registry, improved patient care, and enabled more patients to receive a second chance at life.
The event brought together key stakeholders whose collective efforts have driven the expansion of the blood stem cell donor registry and enhanced patient care in India. The gathering underscored the importance of sustained collaboration across the medical community, institutions, and civil society to address the growing need for stem cell donors. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness and bridge gaps in access to timely, life-saving transplants for patients across the country.
Among the prominent guests present at the evening were Karthik Reddy and Mandira Bedi, who extended their support to the cause.
“Our mission to provide a second chance at life is a collaborative effort spanning medical science, corporate social responsibility, and public advocacy,” said Patrick Paul. “The Lifesaver Honours is our way of expressing gratitude to those who go above and beyond to bring hope to patients in need. Their commitment continues to form the backbone of our work in India.”
Dr. Elke Neujahr said, “Every year, thousands of donor searches are initiated globally, highlighting the ongoing need for matching donors. At DKMS, we are committed to ensuring that every patient in need can find a suitable match.”
“This is only possible through collaboration. To save lives it takes voices that inspire action, institutions that mobilise communities, medical teams that deliver excellence, and individuals whose dedication never stops,” she added.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Honour to Dr. Latha Jagannathan in recognition of her contribution to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders. “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and to stand alongside those committed to this cause,” said Dr. Latha Jagannathan. “It is a privilege to contribute to work that brings hope to families when they need it most.”
The evening also served as a platform to discuss key challenges in blood stem cell transplantation, including gaps in donor availability, awareness, and timely access to treatment. Discussions further highlighted the need for stronger collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem to improve patient outcomes.
Under the Awareness category, Afshan Yasmeen received the Excellence in Blood Cancer & Blood Disorders Reporting award for impactful reporting that brought the cause to the forefront of public discourse through the story, “A Silent Burden: Thalassaemia Patients in Karnataka Battle Disease with Hope and Hardship.”
In the Registration category, Manipal Institute of Technology (MAHE) was recognised as the Outstanding Institutional Partner for leading the way in youth donor registration, while EXL Technologies received the Outstanding Corporate Partner honour for integrating the DKMS mission into its CSR and employee engagement initiatives.
Under the Medical Excellence category, BMST was awarded Collection Centre of the Year for demonstrating exceptional standards in donor care and stem cell collection. The event also featured a Medical Advisory Group Felicitation honouring 10 distinguished members of the medical community for their expert guidance.
The Lifetime Excellence Award, a leadership-discretionary honour under the Special Recognition category, recognised an individual who made a unique and transformative impact on the lives of patients with blood cancer and blood disorders.
DKMS Foundation continues to work towards improving the situation of patients suffering from blood cancer and other blood disorders, including thalassemia and aplastic anemia, by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. The Lifesaver Honours reinforced the organisation’s commitment to expanding donor access, strengthening healthcare collaboration, and bringing renewed hope to patients and families across India.
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