DKMS, the world’s largest bone marrow donor center, is excited to announce the release of a new PSA featuring recording artist, actress, model and DJ, Solange Knowles. A longtime supporter of DKMS, she hit the turntables as DJ for the DKMS Gala after-party and hosted her own donor drive earlier this year. As a registered donor herself, Solange is using her voice to educate and empower people across the world. The PSA communicates DKMS’s mission to save lives by recruiting bone marrow donors for blood cancer patients.
Kara, who is 19, is just one example of a young patient in need of a bone marrow transplant. Diagnosed on May 16, 2011 while her father was serving in Afghanistan, a biopsy of a nasal cavity tumor revealed that Kara had a rare form of lymphoma NKT – a white blood cell killer. Her parents Nathan & Rosie – who both fought as soldiers– are now in the hardest battle of their lives to save their daughter.
As a mother, Solange understands how heartbreaking it must be to watch your child suffer and not be able to help. Her dedication to registering new donors is personal, and this past summer she took charge and hosted a donor drive at her son Juelz’s school. This PSA raises a call to action and educates the public on how simple being a patient’s potential cure is.
“Since attending the DKMS gala couple of years ago, I have wanted to lend my support in any way I could. People are dying and we can save them. Patients like Kara could be cured with a bone marrow transplant,” said Solange Knowles. “A lot of people don’t understand that it’s literally a cotton swab that determines if you’re a match. This can actually save someone’s life!”
Every day thousands of patients search the national registry in the hope of finding a bone marrow donor match. Less than 30% of patients find a match in their own family; the other 70% must search for an unrelated donor. Sadly, 6 out of 10 patients who can benefit from a transplant never receive one.
“Solange has a heart of gold and we are thrilled to have her as a DKMS ambassador who can help register bone marrow donors and save countless lives,” said Katharina Harf, COO of DKMS Americas. “Her PSA, which is powerful and honest, shares a message that is critical yet simple – get swabbed and you could save a life.”
Registering to become a bone marrow donor is more than a cheek swab; it is a commitment to help save a life. You must be between 18 and 55 and in good general health. When you register with DKMS, you will also be listed on the national registry and can be found as a donor match for any patient in need of a bone marrow transplant. For more information and to register, please head to www.GetSwabbed.org.
ABOUT DKMS
The DKMS mission is to save lives by recruiting bone marrow donors for blood cancer patients. More than 28,000 DKMS donors have helped save lives by donating their bone marrow. DKMS is the largest bone marrow donor center in the world with close to 3 million registered donors. DKMS Americas is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information about DKMS and to learn more about registering as a bone marrow donor, please visit www.getswabbed.org.
