Sahyadri Hospitals, in association with the DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry, organized an inspiring donor–recipient meet on August 23, 2025, drawing hundreds of attendees and raising awareness about the critical importance of stem cell donation. The highlight was an extraordinary reunion: a Hyderabad-based donor, Mr. Rajesh (name changed), met twin sisters, Aaradhya and Shruti (names changed), whose lives he saved with a single blood stem cell donation after both were diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at just 3.5 years old.
Families, medical professionals, and community members witnessed as the donor met the young girls whose renewed health came from his selfless act. The emotional gathering became a beacon of gratitude and inspiration. The twins’ parents shared, “When both our daughters were diagnosed, it felt like our world had collapsed. One selfless act gave us back our children. We will remain forever grateful to our donor, DATRI, and Sahyadri Hospital.” On meeting the sisters, the donor expressed, “I never imagined that my registration as a donor would save not one, but two lives. Seeing Aaradhya and Shruti healthy and smiling today is the most emotional moment of my life.”
Dr. Shashikant Apte, Director of Haematology at Sahyadri Hospitals, stated, “This milestone is not just a medical success story but a message to society. Stem cell donation can transform despair into renewed hope.” Consultant Hematologist Dr. Kannan Subramanian commented on the rarity of the case, “It is extremely rare for one donor’s stem cells to be sufficient for identical twins. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between registries and hospitals in delivering life-saving outcomes.”
Mr. Darasing Khurana, DATRI’s brand ambassador and Mr. India International 2017, added emotional resonance: “One donor saving two young lives is proof that stem cell donation is not just medicine, but humanity at its best.”
The meet struck a powerful chord, inspiring hundreds to pledge as potential stem cell donors and emphasizing the critical need for more registrations. Mr. Aby Sam John, National Operations Head, South, DATRI, shared, “Since its inception, DATRI has facilitated 1,645 blood stem cell donations and built a registry of over 6,18,973 registered donors. Yet, given India’s genetic diversity, finding the right match remains a major challenge. Every new registration strengthens the hope for families waiting for a lifesaving match.”
The event underscored the urgency of expanding blood stem cell registries in India, while also highlighting Sahyadri Hospital’s dedication to complex transplants and community-driven humanitarian efforts. As the final echoes of the reunion resounded, a clear message remained: one act of kindness can ripple outwards, multiplying hope, healing, and the spirit of humanity.
