Student Boosts Stem Cell Donors: Vanessa Nisanat Knauer's Impact on DKMS
Vanessa Nisanat Knauer, a Comparative Literature student at the University of Cologne, has been supporting DKMS, the world's largest stem cell donor center, for several years. With over 12 million registered donors globally, DKMS has been instrumental in promoting genetic diversity in stem cell registries and simplifying the donation process.
Vanessa's journey with DKMS began as a student assistant in Corporate Communications, a role she has held for four years. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience working for Doctors Without Borders in fundraising for three years. Her dedication to the cause has been crucial in raising awareness about the importance of stem cell donation.
Organizations like the Norddeutsche Knochenmark- und Stammzellspender-Register have played a significant part in this effort. They have conducted registration drives, making it easier for people to join the registry by offering online registration and home delivery of the registration kit. This has led to a substantial increase in the number of registered donors, improving match possibilities for patients in need of stem cell transplants.
The donation process itself has also evolved. Around 90% of donations now occur through peripheral blood stem cell collection, a less invasive method than previous techniques.
Vanessa Nisanat Knauer's commitment to DKMS has been pivotal in increasing awareness and registrations for stem cell donors. With over 12 million registered donors worldwide, DKMS continues to promote genetic diversity in registries, ensuring more patients find matching donors. The simplified registration and donation processes have made it easier for people to contribute, further boosting the chances of saving lives through stem cell transplants.
