DKMS and Telekom honor “life savers” in the fight against leukemia
22.12.2009 10:50
“Lifesaver” is Telekom employee Heike Schackmann
Deutsche Telekom and the DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Database have one thing in common: they connect people. In 15 years, 54 company classifications were carried out at various Telekom locations, with almost 3,600 employees being included in the world's largest donor database.
The first company classification took place in Bremen in September 1994. Since then, there have been a total of 54 company classifications, with 3,573 group employees being included in the DKMS. To date, 33 of the almost 3,600 employees have been able to give a leukemia patient a chance at life. “This is a great result,” says Claudia Rutt, chairwoman of the DKMS management. Birgit Klesper, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Telekom says: “As a leading business company, we live social responsibility. We would like to thank all colleagues who support us in this important task through their personal commitment.” The life-saving stem cells of Telekom employees were distributed by DKMS all over the world, including the USA, France, Sweden, England and the Netherlands.
“Life saver” and Telekom employee Heike Schackmann says: “I’m happy that I was able to help someone. The fact that I was even able to get to know my recipient and know that she is doing well again confirmed my decision." And Telekom's commitment continues: on December 16, 2009, the company carried out its mission in the fight against leukemia as part of a corporate event Volunteering measure continued. All employees who have already donated were honored with a certificate by DKMS. At the same time, all employees who had not previously had the opportunity to be included in the world's largest donor database were given the opportunity to do so that day in Bonn.
In order to finance the new admissions, DKMS, as a non-profit company, relies on donations. Each registration costs 50 euros. A donation from Deutsche Telekom to DKMS is intended to finance further typing campaigns. In the past, Telekom covered the costs for the operational classifications on a pro-rata basis. “I am pleased that Deutsche Telekom has been loyal to us for so long. Together we want to reach as many Telekom employees as possible,” says Claudia Rutt.