Maria has lived opposite the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital – a branch of Pirogov University for many years and always felt that she could not remain indifferent. The girl first donated whole blood in 2019 at the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center for Children's Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, then together with her husband she joined the Federal Register at the Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky.

When in 2024 there was a genotype match with a patient who needs a bone marrow transplant, the girl did not doubt her decision, as she consciously wanted to help. Maria's spouse also dreams of becoming a bone marrow donor someday.

“Probably this desire to help comes from childhood. When you're little, you want to help everyone, but as you get older you realize that it's impossible. And then, becoming an adult, you choose your path. Someone goes to charity funds, but I chose donation – it's a little something that can really help a person without special expenses”, – Maria shares.

The girl studied information about bone marrow donation, talked to the doctor and asked all the questions. The answers were so clear and convincing that she had no doubts at all. During the stimulation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bloodstream, Maria lived in a hotel near the hospital and worked remotely. The girl easily tolerated the first day, but on the second day she had bone and headaches. The unpleasant symptoms ended as the donation began. The apheresis procedure itself took place in two stages, and Maria steadfastly passed this way from beginning to end.

“I would advise everyone who wants to become a bone marrow donor to think about human life. A small decision - to say yes or no - can save someone's fate. When you join the Registry, you take responsibility not only for yourself, but also for the person who is waiting – who has the same “digits” in their genotype as you. I used to pass by the children's hospital on my way to work and saw cabs taking away parents with their children. And when the parents had suitcases in their hands, I hoped it was because their child had recovered. I never really cared. I sincerely rejoice even now when I see children who have defeated the disease going home from the hospital,” the girl says.

We thank Maria for her noble deed and invaluable participation in saving another person's life.