79th donor: "For me, this is a way to restore balance"

Recently, the Bone Marrow Donor Registry at Pirogov University the 79th donation took place. The donor was Elizaveta Shikerina from Moscow — an engineer and graduate of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University. She currently works at a design bureau that designs small spacecraft.

Elizaveta got acquainted with donation several years ago when she first came to donate blood at the Donor Week at Pirogov University. Then they explained to her in a simple and understandable way what a Registry is, and she, without hesitation, donated an additional tube of blood.

The personal history of the family was of particular importance to Elizabeth: "During covid, my mother and grandmother had a serious condition, they received plasma transfusions from those who had been ill, and this helped. I thought: someone helped my loved ones, so I'll help someone. For me, it's a way to restore balance."

The call about the coincidence came as a surprise. Elizabeth was after the massage, and her face betrayed surprise so much that the master asked if they were scammers. So the specialist became the first person who supported her on this path. Elizabeth told her mother about the news on the same day, and, remembering the story of covid, she also supported her daughter's decision.

The preparation was predictable: on the third day of stimulation, there were aches in the bones and heaviness in the head, but Elizabeth was ready for these sensations. The donation procedure itself took about five and a half hours. At some point, she felt dizzy, but the doctors quickly helped, and her health returned to normal.

Elizabeth especially notes the organization of the process: "The chat was very helpful, where you could immediately ask a question, there were clear instructions and support at the clinic. And for me, who lives beyond the MKAD, the hotel nearby has become a big plus! I felt like they really cared about me."

Elizabeth is sure that donation is primarily a matter of conscious choice: "If you joined the Registry not just for show, but consciously, it means that you understand that someday you can give a chance at life. The patient often does not have many options. If you can help, why not?"

We thank Elizabeth for her trust and courage to take a step that can change someone's fate!

Find out where and how to join in the Federal Register.