A transatlantic bond formed through giving

International Friendship Day is a time to cherish the bonds we share with those who touch our lives deeply. At DKMS, we celebrate not just friendships but the incredible connections forged through stem cell donations. This year, we highlight the inspiring story of Poonam and Viren.

The start of a unique connection

In 2020, amidst the first UK-wide lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Poonam donated her stem cells at the London Clinic. Her recipient was a man she knew nothing about, and they were initially only able to communicate anonymously through DKMS.

Poonam recalls, "All I knew about my recipient was that it was a man. They explained we couldn’t directly contact each other for two years, and only if both sides agreed. But we could write anonymously via DKMS if we’d like to. So, I wrote a letter quite soon afterwards – DKMS checked it and sent it on to him. He didn’t get it until a few months later, because of Covid, but I sent some sunflower seeds and wrote ‘By the time these have bloomed, hopefully you’re OK’."

This simple act of kindness blossomed into a meaningful exchange of letters, where they shared life updates and experiences, forming a unique bond even before meeting in person.

From London to New York

In 2023, after two years of writing, Poonam and her family flew to New York to meet Viren and his family. Viren, originally from India, had moved to America and built a successful career. Despite his achievements, he faced a severe health challenge in 2019 when he developed myelofibrosis, and a stem cell transplant was his only hope.

Poonam remembers the anticipation and concerns leading up to their meeting. "As we planned our meeting, I was honest and open. Viren and his wife asked ‘Should we record it?’ and I said, ‘I really don’t want any big fanfare’. Because I didn’t do it for any kind of gain. I did it because I’d want someone to do the same for my family if we were in that position. Viren’s a great listener, so, when we met, they just kind of like ‘Oh, how are you?’ They were so nice and normal."

Their time together was filled with warmth, understanding, and mutual respect. Poonam reflects on her initial fears, "To be honest, one thing I’d been dreading was ‘What if we meet and I don’t like him?’ But Viren’s such a lovely, nice, kind man. He’s done really well in life, but he’s still very humble, and very grateful."

Building memories and celebrating life

During their visit, the families explored New York together, creating cherished memories. One evening, Poonam had a heartfelt conversation with Viren and his daughter. "He said to me, ‘You do realise now you’re like family to me, you’re like a daughter to me’. I think of him as an older, caring friend," she shares.

Viren also expressed his deep gratitude and connection. "A bond was naturally in place. I don’t think either one of us was surprised at how easily we related to each other. We are a part of life together. Few are as fortunate as I am."

Viren continues to celebrate his renewed life, thanks to Poonam’s stem cells. He admires her sparkling energy and deeply rooted ethics, feeling forever grateful for the second chance he’s been given.

Your chance to make a difference

Both Poonam and Viren encourage more people to join the global stem cell register. Viren actively advocates at universities, urging students to sign up as potential donors. Poonam, on the other hand, focuses on her community, helping DKMS encourage more people to join the register, especially during cultural celebrations like Diwali.

Poonam concludes, "I know that there are so many people impacted, so the more I do with DKMS – like helping them encourage more people from our community to mark Diwali by joining the register – will help make sure that other people find their stem cell match."

By signing up, you could offer hope and a second chance at life to people living with blood cancer and blood disorders around the world, just as Poonam did for Viren. Celebrate the spirit of friendship by taking a step towards becoming someone’s hero.