Media Release
Udupi, Nov 29: In a powerful moment that highlighted the impact of medical collaboration and volunteer donors, DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry, in partnership with PHOCON, the annual paediatric haematology conference hosted by Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, brought together a young survivor and an unrelated stem cell donor from DATRI who gave him a second chance at life.
For the first time, five-year-old Anvish Naik, diagnosed with thalassemia major, met his blood stem cell donor, Ragapriya Sridhar. The reunion moved participants and delegates, underscoring how expert clinical care and committed volunteer donors together save lives.
Anvish was diagnosed at just 16 months after symptoms of fever, poor weight gain, and persistent lethargy. His parents described the early phase as ‘deeply disheartening,’ with frequent blood transfusions becoming a part of their routine.
At Kasturba Hospital, under the care of Dr Archana MV, associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, the family learned about the possibility of an unrelated donor transplant. A suitable match was identified through the registry process facilitated by DATRI—bringing the family much-needed hope.
Ragapriya registered as a donor while in college after being moved by a representative’s clear explanation of the cause. She donated her stem cells in March 2024, even while navigating her own mother’s hospitalisation.
She shared “The process was smooth and safe. Even during a tough phase personally, I knew this was something meaningful. After donating, my pain faded quickly—but it opened my eyes to how incredibly strong these young patients are.”
For Anvish’s parents, seeing the donor was overwhelming and deeply emotional. “We always prayed for our child’s safety and recovery. Meeting the person who made that possible feels like a true blessing. Our gratitude is beyond words.”
A shared mission at PHOCON
The donor–recipient meet at PHOCON showcased what can be achieved when:
• specialised clinical expertise,
• voluntary donor registrations, and
• coordinated transplant pathways come together.
Both Kasturba Hospital and DATRI played integral and complementary roles—one delivering expert medical care, the other enabling donor matching through its registry.
About DATRI
DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry is India’s largest registry, dedicated to helping patients with blood cancers and blood disorders find HLA matched unrelated donors. Founded in 2009, it works to recruit voluntary donors and facilitate life-saving stem cell transplants across India. Through its registry, DATRI enables thousands of patients to access potential matches each year. To know more, visit: www.datri.org
About Kasturba Hospital, Manipal
Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, is a leading tertiary care and teaching hospital known for its excellence in paediatric haematology, oncology, and advanced clinical services. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert medical teams, the hospital provides comprehensive care for complex medical conditions. It also hosts PHOCON, an annual conference dedicated to paediatric haematology advancements.