Red Cross overwhelmed by stem cell donors

Red Cross Flanders is faced with a dilemma: As the public becomes more aware of the possibilities of stem cell donations in treating certain kinds of illnesses, such as leukaemia, more and more people come forward as potential donors. However, every donation must be analysed for its suitability to transplant, and that costs €400 each time.

The Red Cross’ budget over the last five years has allowed it to register 10,000 donors, or 2,000 a year. The number of donors exceeded the limit each year, and a recent public appeal brought in an exceptional 2,500 candidates in a few weeks. But the budget, complained the Red Cross this week, doesn’t cover that many donors.

Riziv, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, said there is no problem. “Existing budgets are sufficient to fulfil our requirements,” said spokesperson Ludwig Moens. The quota of 10,000 registrations, he said, was established in consultation with the national bone marrow register, which is maintained mainly by the Red Cross. “We have not yet examined the possibility of increasing the budget, for the simple reason that we have not received any request of that nature.”

According to Philippe Vandekerckhove, director-general of the Red Cross, all candidates who responded to the latest appeal will be tested, though it may take longer than usual, and the Red Cross will use its own funds if necessary. Federal health minister Laurette Onkelinx is due to meet with the Red Cross and Riziv representatives today to seek a solution.

One avenue open to the Red Cross is to operate a more targeted selection of potential donors. Donations from younger donors or people of a particular ethnicity are more often required that those from older people for, example. The recent appeal by Humo journalist Katrien Depecker for donations to help her British boyfriend Ed Fox, 27, who is being treated for lymphoma, brought in 7,000 candidates. Meanwhile, in Hasselt, Merveille De Doelder has appealed to the African community for donors to help her 15-year-old sister, who also has leukaemia – with little success.

photo courtesy of Jeremy L Grisham/Wikimedia Commons