Tisca Chopra Unveils ‘Mandeep Meets Mandeep’

A blood cancer survivor’s remarkable journey moved Bollywood actress and author Tisca Chopra to register herself as a stem cell donor with DKMS BMST Foundation India, in New Delhi.

Setting an example for many across the country, Tisca decided to become a donor after launching an inspirational and one-of-its-kind book named “Mandeep Meets Mandeep” during a glittering event in the national capital. The book is based on a real-life story about a patient named Mandeep Singh who won his battle against blood cancer when his namesake Mandeep came forward as the perfect match for a stem cell transplant.

At the centre of this inspirational story is DKMS BMST Foundation India, which played a key role in saving the valuable life in the nick of time.The book authored by Dr. Sona Sharma, a medical professional and writer, is based on true events that unfold a remarkable tale of two lives, both named Mandeep, intertwined by fate and a shared HLA-type.

Mandeep, a blood cancer survivor and 35-year-old farmer from Punjab, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2009. Unfortunately, though Mandeep was advised for a stem cell transplant, he could not find a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched stem cell donor within his family. 

Mandeep had to wait for over 3 years before an HLA-matching unrelated donor was identified with the help of DKMS BMST Foundation India, and he underwent a stem cell transplant in January 2020. Despite diverse backgrounds, their unique genetic match offered a chance at survival. The story weaves through sacrifice, community support, and the delicate balance of life, connecting two individuals destined for an extraordinary encounter.

“Facilitating life-changing connections is at the heart of our mission at DKMS-BMST,” said Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST Foundation India.He firmly believes that every successful transplant is a testament to the impact of collective generosity. “We stand proud, connecting heroes like Mandeep Singh and Mandeep Mann, highlighting the profound ripple effect of selfless acts and the hope for second chances,” he said.The CEO said that witnessing Mandeep Singh's journey, from the desperate search for a donor to the emotional meeting with Mandeep Mann, reinforces the company’s commitment.

Soon after the book launch, the chief guest Tisca Chopra said the inspiring story deeply touched her heart. “In India, numerous patients await lifesaving stem cell transplants, yet the shortage of registered donors poses a significant challenge,” she pointed out.

On the occasion, Tisca set an example by registering as a potential stem cell donor and called upon others to join the noble cause. “Your contribution can bring hope to countless individuals grappling with life-threatening diseases,” was her appeal.

Blood cancer survivor Mandeep Singh, who was also present at the event, recalled how, at first, he felt helpless. “The journey to find a match was daunting, like searching for a needle in a haystack. Finally, the incredible moment arrived when I found my donor, Mandeep Mann, through the DKMS-BMST database,” said an emotional Mandeep.

He said the selfless stem cell donation by his namesake gave him a new lease of life. “Words cannot describe the joy I feel today. I am extremely thankful to DKMS-BMST for making this journey possible for me,” said Mandeep.

Beaming with pride at the book launch was the stem cell donor Mandeep Mann. “My motivation stemmed from empathy and a desire to make a difference. Juggling a demanding career and caring for my wife, who is battling cancer, was challenging. Yet, donating stem cells felt like destiny,” he said. He described his meeting with Mandeep Singh as a surreal experience. “It was like bridging two worlds through a shared name and genetic bond. It's a profound reminder of the power of compassion and the interconnectedness of lives,” said Mandeep Mann as he shared his lifesaving experience as a stem cell donor.

Many may not know that a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder, such as Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia, emerges in India every five minutes. The scarcity of matching blood stem cell donors poses a significant hurdle for patients in dire need of lifesaving transplants.

In collaboration with these initiatives, DKMS-BMST is striving to raise awareness about blood stem cell donation and register potential lifesavers across diverse segments of society.

* Over 41 million potential unrelated donors are listed globally with stem cell donor centers and registries, but only 0.6 million are Indians. To address this gap, more potential blood stem cell donors need to register.

* Registration is a quick 5-minute process. If you're between 18 and 55 years old and in generally good health, take the initial step to register as a blood stem cell donor by requesting your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register.

About DKMS BMST Foundation India

A non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia. Our aim is to improve the situation of patients suffering from blood cancer and other blood disorders in India and throughout the world by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. By doing this, DKMS-BMST provides patients in need of a blood stem cell transplant with a second chance at life.

DKMS-BMST is a joint venture of two reputed non-profit organizations: BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and DKMS, one of the largest international blood stem cell donor centres in the world. For more information, please visit dkms-bmst.org

The actress also registered as a stem cell donor with DKMS BMST Foundation India