Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Saudi Stem Cells Donor Registry reported that some 10,000 people in the western region of Saudi Arabia has expressed their willingness to donate stem cells. The registry reported it has over 46,000 registered donors from all over the Kingdom. The registry has organized over 20 campaigns in the western region in the past two years. Ten stem cell implant operations were successfully carried out recently, which the registry said would not have been possible without the donors. The registry belongs to King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, which is under the Ministry of National Guard. Dr. Mohammad Al-Mohammadi, head of the Saudi Stem Cells Donor Registry in the western region, said stem cells implantations can cure many diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, acute anemia and other diseases. "The implantation is the only hope for patients who do not have a relative who can donate. That constitutes 70 percent of the patients. Donating stem cells is very important but absolutely harmless to the donor. The donation procedure is very simple and it does not exceed four hours," said Al-Mohammadi. He said the donor can continue living his life as usual after the donation. His body will naturally replace the extracted cells within a few weeks. The donation process is confidential and without any required fees. Dr. Yasser Beiruti, an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University, said stem cell operations were extremely vital to many patients. The registry plays a great role in bridging the gap between the patients and the donors.
