A new bone marrow donor registration drive will take place across Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso. The Fundación Carlos Chytil (Carlos Chytil Foundation), SENETÉ and the Instituto Nacional de Ablación y Trasplante (National Institute of Ablation and Transplantation, INAT) will organise the event. Volunteers can register on Saturday, 19 September, from 10:00 to 21:00. Registration will take place at Shopping del Sol and Shopping Mariano.
The campaign coincides with World Marrow Donor Day, celebrated every third Saturday of September. This year, the international observance falls on 19 September, bringing attention to patients awaiting compatible donors. Meanwhile, the initiative forms part of La vida después de la suerte, (Life After Luck) a campaign promoting voluntary donor registration. Organisers hope the event will encourage more Paraguayans to join the national registry.
A simple step towards becoming a donor
For many patients, finding a compatible donor within their family remains unlikely. Consequently, international and national donor registries can provide another chance for patients needing a transplant. Genetic compatibility plays a central role in finding a suitable donor, making larger registries especially valuable. Each additional volunteer can therefore increase the possibility of finding a match.
Registering requires a buccal swab, allowing health professionals to collect a DNA sample. The process does not involve surgery or bone marrow extraction during registration. Afterward, the INAT securely stores the volunteer’s genetic information within the official registry. Professionals will contact registered donors only if a potential match emerges later.
Before any donation takes place, medical professionals provide the necessary information and guidance. Therefore, joining the registry allows volunteers to make themselves available for someone who may need help. The decision could eventually connect one person with a patient searching for a compatible donor.
Supporting the fight against leukaemia
The Fundación Carlos Chytil originally focused on creating and promoting a national bone marrow donor registry. Over time, the organisation expanded its work to support people affected by leukaemia. Its activities include awareness campaigns, assistance and follow-up, alongside efforts to improve haematology facilities. The foundation also promotes professional training opportunities abroad.
The organisation describes every potential donor as a possible connection between a patient and new hope. For those interested in registering, the foundation has provided additional information through its contact channels. Volunteers can contact Fundación Carlos Chytil at fundacioncarloschytil@gmail.com or at +595981 845 067. The September 19 event offers another opportunity to take that first step.
As World Bone Marrow Donor Day approaches, the campaign places one message at the centre: participation matters. A larger registry can give more patients access to potential genetic matches. For volunteers, registration requires only a small amount of time and a simple swab. For someone waiting for a transplant, however, that small gesture could become a life-changing possibility.
For more information follow Fundación Carlos Chytil on Instagram.
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