A young mother with deep roots in Calgary is fighting for her life, prompting a desperate search for a stem cell donor match. Hapi Dhesi, a Calgary-raised woman who now lives in Regina with her family, was diagnosed with leukemia in September.
A Community Rallies for a Mother in Need
The shocking diagnosis for the mother of two has mobilized her community and loved ones into action. A stem cell donor drive is now actively underway in an effort to find a life-saving match for Hapi. The drive underscores the critical and ongoing need for diverse donors to join the Canadian Blood Stem Cell Registry.
The diagnosis came in September 2025, upending life for Hapi and her young family. With traditional treatments like chemotherapy often insufficient for certain blood cancers, a stem cell transplant from a matched donor represents the best chance for a cure. However, finding a perfect genetic match is a significant challenge, especially for patients from South Asian backgrounds, where donor registries are historically underrepresented.
How to Become a Potential Lifesaver
The donor drive aims to add as many new, committed potential donors as possible to the national registry. The process to join is simple and begins with a cheek swab. Eligible donors are typically between the ages of 17 and 35 and in good general health. By registering, individuals consent to be contacted if they are ever identified as a match for any patient in need, anywhere in the world.
For Hapi Dhesi and her family, time is of the essence. Each new registrant increases the odds of finding her match and offers hope to the thousands of other Canadians awaiting a transplant. Community-led drives like this one are often the catalyst that connects patients with their anonymous genetic match, turning a stranger into a lifesaver.
The Urgent Need for Diverse Donors
This urgent appeal highlights a persistent issue within Canada's healthcare system: the stem cell registry needs more diversity. A patient's best chance of finding a match comes from someone with a similar ethnic background. Campaigns focused on specific communities are vital to building a registry that can serve all Canadians equitably.
The drive for Hapi is a poignant reminder that behind every statistic is a person with a family, dreams, and a future hanging in the balance. Her story as a Calgary-born mother has resonated across provincial lines, uniting people in Alberta and Saskatchewan in a common goal. The success of this drive could literally mean the difference between life and death, offering Hapi the chance to see her two children grow up.
