Table of Contents

1. Message from Management Desk

Dear Volunteers, Supporters, and Friends,

Welcome to a new edition of DATRI’s Volunteer Newsletter—a space where stories of compassion, courage, and community come together. This issue is especially close to my heart, as it highlights the beautiful journeys of individuals who didn’t just join our cause—they became the cause.

Each story you’ll read is a quiet reminder that no action is ever too small when it’s done with purpose. From Balasubasri, who said “yes” to saving a life seven years after registering, to Dr. Sarika, who brings her medical wisdom and empathy to our mission, and from Abhinandan’s strategic outreach in Telangana to Nikita’s grassroots work in Pune—every voice is an echo of the powerful impact volunteers are making every day.

At DATRI, we don’t just believe in the power of one—we see it in action. We see it in your dedication at the donor recruitment drives, in the conversations you initiate, and in the time, you give to build awareness. We see it when someone walks into a drives curious and walks out registered, hopeful, and empowered.

Our mission is simple yet urgent: to give every patient fighting blood cancer or a rare disorder the chance they deserve to live. And it begins with people like you. People who show up, speak up, and give back.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel proud. Not just of what you’ve done, but of what we’re building together—an ever-growing community of life-savers and changemakers.

Let’s keep going. Because someone, somewhere, is still waiting for their match. And that match… could be connected through you.

With gratitude and hope,

2. Current Statistics

Volunteering Data
80+

Registered Volunteers

7 Contributors

Social Media Support

20 Active

Volunteers on Feild

30+ Donor Recruitment drives conducted with the help of Volunteers
Register as a volunteer
Join as a Volunteer

3. Balasubasri

Seven Years Later, She Said Yes And Gave Someone a Tomorrow

Hi, I’m Balasubasri.

Seven years ago, while studying at SASTRA University, I came across DATRI during an awareness drive in my campus. I didn’t know much about stem cell donation at the time, but seeing my friends step forward, I too decided to register and give my sample. I honestly didn’t think much about it afterward.

Fast forward seven years—I received a call from DATRI. My HLA type was a match for a 9-year-old child in need of a life-saving stem cell transplant. The call took me by surprise. At first, I was overwhelmed with questions and fear. Why now, after all these years? Is this safe? Is DATRI a trusted organization?

When I asked the DATRI team, they explained that among lakhs of registered donors, I was the only match for this child. Even after that, I was hesitant—and so was my family. They initially said no.

But I wanted to be sure before turning away. I spoke to a doctor, did my own research, and found out not only was the procedure safe, but DATRI was also a reputed organization doing incredible work. That gave me the conviction to move forward. I talked to my family again—this time, with facts and clarity and they agreed.

After a few medical tests, I was confirmed fit for the donation, and the process of stem cell donation began. I was given GCSF injections for five days, which weren’t painful at all. On the fifth day, I went to the hospital to donate my stem cells. The medical team was kind and supportive. The procedure was not painful and I was kept warm and comfortable throughout.

The feeling I had after the donation was beyond words—knowing I had helped save a child’s life gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t experienced this ever before. Even my mother, who was initially unsure, felt proud of me.

That experience changed me. I realized the incredible work DATRI is doing—not just to save lives but to connect complete strangers in an act of compassion and courage. I knew I wanted to do more. That’s when I decided to become a volunteer with DATRI.

Now, I work in the field, speaking to people, clearing their doubts, and encouraging them to register as donors—just like I once did without knowing the impact it would one day have. I’ve also been actively involved in donor registration drives. If someone feels unsure or has questions during the process, I explain the stem cell donation process in a simple, easy-to-understand way. I also help with packing cards for donors at the head office.

As someone working from home, I often missed real human connections. Volunteering gave me that sense of connection again. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and being part of a cause greater than myself—it brought a refreshing mindset and helped me feel like I’m making a real difference.

Your one step can become someone’s second chance.
Let your blood stem cell donation be the beginning of a beautiful chapter in your life’s story—just like it was in mine.

4. Dr. Sarika

One swab. One match. One life saved.

As a physician, I have witnessed the silent devastation that blood cancers and life-threatening hematological disorders can inflict—not just on patients, but on entire families. Despite remarkable strides in treatment and technology, the reality remains stark: for many individuals, a matching blood stem cell donor is not just a hopeful option—it is their only lifeline.

This undeniable truth is what drew me to DATRI. Joining DATRI was not merely a professional decision—it was a deeply personal commitment. I have sat across from families who have waited with unwavering hope that a stranger, somewhere in the world, might become their saving grace. And I’ve seen the heartbreak when that match never arrives.

Volunteering with DATRI allows me to extend my role beyond the clinic. It gives me the opportunity to participate in something larger—a mission of equity, empathy, and second chances. In a country as vast and diverse as ours, building a robust and inclusive donor registry is not just necessary—it is urgent.

One quote that resonates deeply with me is by Albert Schweitzer:

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

I carry this ethos into every consultation, and now, into this meaningful collaboration with DATRI. If even one life is saved because of this effort—one child grows up, one parent returns home, one family stays whole—then every moment spent in this cause will be worthwhile.

According to global cancer statistics (WHO & GLOBOCAN 2024), India carries a significant share of the global cancer burden. We report over 14 lakh (1.4 million) new cancer cases every year. Blood cancers alone account for about 1 lakh of these, affecting both children and adults. Leukemia is among the top five cancers in Indian children, and lymphoma and myeloma are rising rapidly among adults.

What makes the situation even more critical in India is the limited access to matching stem cell donors. Despite having over 1.4 billion people, our national donor registry remains small and underrepresented. For thousands, a matching blood stem cell donor is not just a treatment—it’s their only chance at life.

That’s why registries like DATRI exist to support such patients in need of a lifesaving cure. In a country so genetically diverse, every single registration matters. It’s just a swab, a simple first step towards a larger cause and the only hope.

I believe every person battling blood cancer deserves a second chance at life—and we are determined to make it happen. DATRI’s mission is to cure blood cancer through blood stem cell donations, whether as a donor, a volunteer, or a financial supporter. It all begins with one remarkable person, one life-changing swab, and one huge win—finding a match and a cure.

5. Abhinandan

Every conversation can spark a cure. Awareness saves lives.
I first came across the stem cell donation through a YouTube video. I understood the urgent need for unrelated stem cell donors. As I researched more, I came to know about DATRI, one of the prominent stem cell registries, and felt a strong connection to their mission.I realized that awareness about this topic is still very low, and I wanted to be part of the change. My turning point came when I spoke to Chava Ravindranath, Senior Manager at DATRI. His guidance and passion deeply influenced me and gave me the clarity and motivation to volunteer actively.My primary role has been to approach colleges and seek permission to conduct awareness drives. Once permission is secured, I join hands with the DATRI team—Ravindranath, Krishna, and Praveen—for the actual awareness sessions.Our recent effort was when our team had the honour of meeting the Governor of Telangana. With the support of E.V. Srinivas, State Managing Committee Member of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), we secured permission to conduct awareness drives across all Red Cross societies in the state. This was a major milestone and a proud moment for all of us involved.Volunteering with DATRI has been a transformative journey. I’ve learned so much—not just about stem cells, but also about teamwork, and community engagement.The impact of our efforts is what keeps me going. and the constant encouragement from Ravindranath fuel my commitment to this cause.Awareness is just as important as registrations. You never know whose life you might touch. By simply talking about stem cell donation, you can inspire others and that ripple effect can save lives.“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”In our mission to save lives through stem cell donation, every awareness session, every registration, and every conversation brings us closer to giving someone hope. This journey brings a deeper sense of satisfaction within us. Let’s keep going we are making a difference.

6. Nikita

Spreading Hope, One Swab at a Time
Hello, I’m Nikita Gaikwad, a student at S.M. Joshi College in Pune. My journey with DATRI began through NSS activities, when I was introduced to the organization by Rishikesh Khodade Sir, who connected me with Sonali Dhas, a key member of the DATRI Pune team .Since then, I’ve volunteered in more than 5 donor recruitment drives across Pune, working alongside Sonali. At these camps, I have guided people through the registration process—helping them understand why we need their accurate details like the phone number, address, and pin code. Initially, many were hesitant to give swab samples, but once we explained how their contribution could save lives, they readily agreed.This is mainly due to the lack of awareness of blood stem cell donations and how one simple act can change someone’s lives.Volunteering with DATRI has been truly fulfilling. The thought that a sample of swab could help someone in need is incredibly motivating. My time with the Pune team has strengthened my belief in the power of awareness and community action.I’m deeply grateful to DATRI team for welcoming me into this mission. Working as a volunteer here has allowed me to contribute to saving lives—a rewarding experience I hope to continue. As a small act of social service, I’m proud to be part of DATRI and look forward to encouraging others to join us.

7. Mohamed Thameem Ansari

One Step Forward, A Lifetime of Impact

I’m Mohamed Thameem Ansari from Chennai, and my journey with DATRI began when I came across the Bhumi Community Page while looking for health-related volunteering opportunities. I signed up, thinking I’d support from behind the scenes—quietly, with minimal interaction. But life had other plans.

My first opportunity came at a donor recruitment drive during a marathon event. The atmosphere was electric runners of all ages, full of energy and purpose. Though I was excited, I was also hesitant. I chose a desk role, hoping to stay in the background. But with gentle encouragement from the field team, I was asked to step forward and explain DATRI’s mission to the public. I panicked. What if I said something wrong? What if people ignored me?

Still, I gave it a try. The first few conversations were awkward, filled with “no”s., may be they were afraid of the process, may be they wanted more details of DATRI and so on. But then someone said “yes.” That moment stayed with me. From then on, I kept going and each conversation got better.

As volunteers, our work is more than just logistics. We are the bridge between awareness and action. We help people understand how a simple cheek swab can save a life. We calm fears, correct misconceptions, and guide them through the process with care.

Volunteering with DATRI has changed me. It has given me confidence, clarity, and a sense of purpose. That first marathon event taught me that even small steps can lead to something powerful. If you’re unsure, take that first step. You might just change a life—starting with your own.

9. BE A LIFESAVER

JOIN DATRI’S CROWD FUNDING INITIATIVE!

At DATRI, we believe that every patient battling a life-threatening blood disorder deserves a second chance at life. However, finding a matching blood stem cell donor is just one part of the journey—ensuring the process is accessible and affordable is equally critical.

That’s why we are launching a special Crowd funding Campaign exclusively for our dedicated volunteers! This initiative empowers you to take your impact further by mobilizing support from your friends and family, helping more patients find their lifesaving match.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Get Your Fundraising Page

We’ll create a personalized fundraising page for you! Simply fill out a short form, sharing why DATRI’s mission matters to you.

2. Spread the Word

Share your fundraising link with your family, friends, colleagues, & on social media. Every share brings us closer to saving a life.

3. Engage & Inspire

Keep your supporters updated with personal messages, videos, or patient stories to encourage donations and build a stronger impact.

4. Make a Lasting Impact

Every contribution, big or small, helps save a life. Together, we can provide hope and a second chance at life!

10. Success Stories

Birthday Fundraiser Success

This month, two of our dedicated volunteers, Divya Srivastav from Mumbai and Manasa, chose to turn their birthdays into a celebration of hope by supporting DATRI through our Birthday Fundraiser Campaign. Instead of gifts and parties, they invited friends and family to contribute towards saving lives.

For Divya, who first connected with DATRI as a volunteer, this was about gratitude and giving back. Her fundraiser is ongoing, and her story has already inspired many people in her network to see birthdays as a chance to create life-saving impact.

Manasa, a registered stem cell donor herself, raised over ₹29,000 on her birthday with a heartfelt appeal: “Today is my birthday… but I want the celebration to be theirs.” Her campaign beautifully reflected her belief that someone’s next birthday may depend on another’s kindness.

Together, Divya and Manasa remind us that birthdays are not just about adding years to life, but about adding life to years. Their generosity is helping DATRI continue its mission of giving patients with blood disorders a second chance at life.

11. Upcoming Events & Campaigns

2 for Tomorrow Campaign

What is it?
“2 for Tomorrow” is a simple, powerful campaign running all year round to help DATRI grow the donor registry. The idea: each volunteer inspires two new donors every month — creating a ripple effect of hope for patients waiting for a stem cell match.

How It Works

  1. Sign Up – Volunteers confirm participation via WhatsApp/email.
  2. Get Your Toolkit – Receive your personal registration link + awareness video.
  3. Reach Out to 10 People – Friends, family, colleagues, neighbours — share your link and talk about blood stem cell donation.
  4. Track Your Impact – Every two registrations you bring = two more chances to save lives.

Key Links

A single act can make a ripple effect in blood cancer and blood disorder patient's life!

Join the Movement – Become a DATRI Volunteer

Every campaign we run is powered by people like you — individuals who believe that no patient should die waiting for a match. The need is urgent: thousands of patients with blood cancer and rare disorders are searching for donors every day. Your time, your voice, and your outreach can change that.

How you can help:

  • Register as a Volunteer on our website and get trained by our team.
  • Be the face of DATRI at donor drives, awareness sessions, and community events.
  • Spread the message on social media and in your networks — every new person you inspire brings us closer to finding a life-saving match.
  • Encourage others to join — friends, family, colleagues — because every supporter strengthens our registry and multiplies our impact.
  • When you volunteer with DATRI, you’re not just giving time — you’re giving hope.