NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, September 9, 2025: For patients battling blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, a stem cell transplant often represents the only hope of survival. But for thousands of Indian Americans, that hope remains alarmingly slim due to the stark underrepresentation of Indians and other South Asians in the national bone marrow registry.
Recognizing this gap, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has launched the first-ever nationwide campaign to expand the stem cell donor pool among Indians. The effort, initiated in 2024 under the leadership of AAPI’s immediate past president Dr. Satheesh Kathula, marks a critical turning point for families who have long been forced to shoulder the burden of organizing donor drives on their own.
Why Representation Matters in the Registry
Finding a compatible donor hinges on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing, a genetic marker that is inherited and highly ethnicity-specific. Patients of Indian descent are far more likely to match with Indian donors—but the existing donor pool is alarmingly small.
“Seventy percent of patients lack a family match. For Indians, the odds are even lower due to the limited donor pool,” explained Dr. Krishan Kumar, AAPI Vice President-Elect.
Until now, many Indian American families in crisis have had to juggle both the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and the logistical challenge of finding donors within their communities. AAPI’s unified, nationwide initiative—organized in partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), the world’s largest stem cell registry—aims to change that.
Building Momentum Across U.S. Communities
Since November 2024, AAPI chapters and local student groups have organized stem cell drives in cities across the country, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, and San Jose. High school and college students are playing a pivotal role in mobilizing their peers, with AAPI offering volunteer certificates as encouragement.
“This is about creating a culture of awareness,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, AAPI President. “Stem cell transplants save lives, but HLA matching depends on ethnicity. By stepping forward, Indian Americans can help ensure that more of our community members find the donor they desperately need.”
Dr. Hetal Gor, Chair of AAPI’s Board of Trustees, added, “You could be someone’s only match—their only hope. Registering is a serious promise, but the donation process is safe and complication-free.”
Expanding the Effort to India
With momentum building in the U.S., AAPI is now taking the campaign global. In partnership with the Global Association of Indian Medical Students and DATRI, a stem cell bank in India, AAPI will launch drives at its Global Health Summit in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in January 2026. Plans are underway to expand the campaign across medical schools throughout India.
“Registration is simple—just a cheek swab kit and a few details. Your data is stored securely,” explained Dr. Meher Medavaram, AAPI President-Elect.
For those matched, the donation process involves 20–30 hours spread over four to six weeks, with all costs covered. “Finding a match is especially difficult for South Asians. Every donor helps save lives,” emphasized Dr. Soumya Nerevetla, AAPI Treasurer.
A Call to Action
The underrepresentation of South Asians in the bone marrow registry remains a pressing health equity issue. Without expanding the donor base, too many Indian American patients will continue to lose their battles against blood cancers simply because no suitable match could be found.
AAPI leaders are calling on individuals, families, and community organizations to host drives, register, and spread awareness.
“You could be the one who gives someone a second chance at life,” said Dr. Sashi Kuppala, Chair of AAPI’s Stem Cell Drive.
For more information or to organize a drive, contact Sashikuppala@yahoo.com or visit www.aapiusa.org.
