NAMIBIA: Blood Cancer Survivor Embarks on 64-Country Journey to Recruit Life-Saving Stem Cell Donors

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA: Robin and Yolandi Lewis are on an ambitious 10-year journey dubbed “Matches on the Map,” traveling across 64 countries in their converted truck, Betsy, to raise awareness and recruit life-saving blood stem cell donors. The project stems from Robin’s own battle with blood cancer, which he overcame thanks to a rare stem cell match. This experience ignited his passion to help others find their life-saving matches as many patients remain without one.

Their truck, powered by used cooking oil, is not only eco-friendly but also financially sustainable, enabling them to travel and spread their mission without external funding. Robin emphasizes the importance of donor diversity in matching patients, noting that different ethnicities significantly affect the likelihood of finding compatible donors. In Namibia, for instance, the stark contrast in donor registry numbers highlights the urgent need for increased participation.

Amid challenges such as navigating rough terrains and debunking misconceptions about stem cell donation, the Lewis duo has gained local support from organizations like the South African bone marrow Registry and the Cancer Association of Namibia. They are actively organizing recruitment drives, with a public event scheduled for the 23rd in Windhoek, aimed at educating the public about the straightforward and minimally invasive donation process.

Robin urges anyone hesitant about registering as a donor to think of the potential impact on a family member in need. He reassures that the process is safe and free of costs, emphasizing that joining the donor registry could mean the difference between life and death for someone battling blood cancer. The Lewis couple continues to push forward, driven by the hope of saving lives and making a difference globally.

First published 2025-05-12 14:03:43