Annual Bone Marrow Donor Support Run Held in Tomsk
Tomsk, Russia, May 23 - RIA Tomsk. Tomsk hosted the 38th city in the nationwide "Fire of Life" relay, an initiative aimed at popularizing bone marrow donation. Participants carried a specially-crafted torch through the city streets to attract public attention to the difficult plight of patients battling severe diseases like acute lymphoblastic leukemia, according to the press service of the regional health department.
The event, running from April to November 2025, brings together over 100 cities across Russia and invites new participants to join the federal bone marrow donor registry. Tomsk joined an impressive lineup of cities that have already participated in the relay.
The relay commenced at the Tomsk Regional Blood Center and concluded at the scientific and medical library of the Siberian State Medical University. The event received support from local government officials, public organizations, volunteers, individuals recognized with the "Honorary Donor of Russia" emblem, athletes, representatives of the Russian Guard, the Union of Machine Builders of Russia, and healthcare employees.
The purpose of the marathon, explained Robert Fidarov, the head of the regional health department, is to inform as many people as possible about the significance of joining the registry to increase the chances of finding a suitable match for those on transplant waiting lists.
A unique symbol of hope, the torch, was custom-made for this event. One of the torchbearers was Artem Aliskev, a bone marrow donation ambassador in Russia, who himself defeated acute lymphoblastic leukemia due to a bone marrow transplant. He stressed the importance of being ready to contribute when called upon, as a donor's registration is a significant responsibility.
"When you donate 3 milliliters of blood, you become a potential donor. It's important to confirm your availability again when they call, as they might reach out in a year, two, or three, or perhaps not until a decade has passed. The odds are that your match by blood type is one in 10,000 people. However, it's crucial to remember that someone may be left with merely a few weeks to live without your help," Aliskev reminded the public.
According to the press service, the event was organized by the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia in collaboration with the charitable Impact Foundation and the "Fire of Life" Social Support Initiative Fund. Those unable to participate in the relay can still join the federal bone marrow donor registry at the Tomsk Blood Center.
- The "Fire of Life" relay in Tomsk sheds light on medical-conditions like chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease and cancer, as well as respiratory conditions, stressing the importance of joining the federal bone marrow donor registry.
- Health-and-wellness advocates, including athletes, local government officials, and employees from the healthcare industry, joined forces to support the "Fire of Life" relay, reminding the public of their role in the cause.
- Mental-health awareness was also promoted during the event, with speakers emphasizing the significant responsibility a donor bears towards saving a life.
- The effort to popularize bone marrow donation and increase the number of registered donors was supported by the scientific and medical community, with the Siberian State Medical University showcasing its commitment through hosting part of the relay.
