Gurmail Sagoo is just like everyone else. If you passed him on the street, you’d see just another man going about his business. But there is one fundamental difference – Gurmail has given a stranger a second chance at life.
The Inspiration of British Asian Gurmail
How did this happen?
British Asian, Gurmail, (a business intelligence developer from Birmingham), registered via DKMS to the UK blood stem cell register after seeing an urgent appeal on behalf of a 3-year-old boy. Moreover, the boy was the same age as his son and needed a lifesaving blood stem cell donor. Although he wasn’t a match for that little boy, he did find out he was a match for someone else.
Gurmail’s Genetic Twin
In addition 5,000 miles across the sea, Canadian Daljit Sanders had been told that her chances of long-term survival without a blood stem cell transplant were slim. Her mum, two sisters and brother had all been tested, but none were a genetic match. So, her only hope was to rely on the kindness of a stranger who was on the blood stem cell register, British Asian Gurmail.
Daljit is of South Asian descent and so the pool of possible donors is so much smaller.
There was an added complication, Daljit is of South Asian descent and so the pool of possible donors is so much smaller.
But against all odds a British Asian match was found. “I picked up a voicemail late on a Friday from DKMS, saying they were trying to get in touch with me as I’d been identified as a match for a patient with blood cancer. I honestly couldn’t believe it – I had always hoped one day I might be told I was a match for someone who needed help” Gurmail shares.
The Donation Process
Following evaluation of Gurmail’s suitability, he donated via peripheral blood stem cell collection, which is like giving blood.
Therefore, in Vancouver, Daljit was preparing for the transplant – her only hope of survival. Thanks to the kindness of a stranger called Gurmail.
“Suddenly I had hope that I would have more time to be with the people I love most in this world”
Daljit
“I’m the first person in my family and social circle to be affected by a cancer diagnosis. I was told I had secondary acute myeloid leukemia. Ahead of receiving my blood stem cell transplant, I was terrified, but above all, relieved it was happening. Suddenly I had hope that I would have more time to be with the people I love most in this world” Daljit emotionally recollects.
First Contact to Life-Long Bond
As Daljit began to recover, DKMS provided the opportunity for her to begin communicating, anonymously with Gurmail. “Gurmail sent me a card. All it said was ‘To You, hope all is well, from Me’. It was the first time the gravity of what he had done for me really hit home” says Daljit.
“It was the first time the gravity of what he had done for me really hit home”
Daljit
Once the landmark two-year anniversary was reached, the point where UK law allows a donor and patient to have their identities revealed to each other, if they wish. Gurmail and Daljit were formally introduced, it was a momentous occasion for both.
“Daljit and I had been in regular contact via email, phone calls and messages. We began making plans for my wife, family and I to travel to Vancouver. I was so excited to finally meet Daljit for the first time” Gurmail shared.
Four years later, Gurmail travelled the 5,000 miles to Vancouver to meet the stranger who he’d help to give a second chance of life to.
“I was excited, nervous, anxious, happy, joyful. He is part of me now. His blood and his DNA run through my veins. Meeting the person that saved my life is like meeting the guardian angel I never knew I had”
Daljit
Daljit shares, “We all have a responsibility to make life better for each other in this crazy world. Any small act of kindness can impact someone’s life in a positive way. Registering with DKMS to become a donor is one way to make a positive impact on the world.“
Since donating his stem cells and giving Daljit a second chance at life, Gurmail has become a DKMS volunteer in the West Midlands. Gurmail helps to set up the stalls at donor recruitment events and also helps with the swabbing of people who also want to join the blood stem cell register. He talks to people about his story to encourage even more people to sign-up.
Can You Help Save a Life?
So now, it’s up to you! Do you want to be a potential lifesaver, like Gurmail, and give someone a second chance at life?
The good news is that if you are aged between 17 and 55 years and in general good health, then you may be able to register as a blood stem cell donor.
It’s a quick and simple process:
- Register your interest at dkms.org.uk/asiansuk
- We will send you a swab kit
- Take three swabs from the inside of your cheeks
- Once we receive your swabs you’ll be added to the donor register
You can also support DKMS in other ways.
Donate to our work at: www.dkms.org.uk/get-involved/donate-money
Volunteer with us by emailing: volunteering@dkms.org.uk
Also please help spreading the word. 28 May is the 31st anniversary of DKMS’ foundation in Germany. It is marked by World Blood Cancer Day: a day when we want to raise awareness of the need for more stem cell donors. You can help us do this by sharing #WBCD. Find out more at: dkms.org.uk/wbcd2022
More about DKMS
DKMS have the largest blood stem cell register in the UK and as a global organisation, they work in Germany, Poland, USA, India, South Africa and Chile. To date, DKMS has registered over 11 million potential blood stem cell donors worldwide. Over 95,000 people around the world have received a potentially lifesaving blood stem cell donation through DKMS. In the UK, DKMS has registered over 900,000 blood stem cell donors to date and helped to give over 1,600 people a second chance at life.
