The COVID-19 pandemic saw heightened security measures imposed by the Malaysian Government, culminating to an imminent ‘Movement Control Order’ placed in effect from 18 March 2020. Two volunteers from the Singapore Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) were lauded for their determination and dedication insuccessfully delivering donor stem cells to a beneficiary in Johor, Malaysia, while braving traffic jams and border controls.
Upon knowing that the stem cells were urgently required for a transplant scheduled for 18 March, Eleanor Choo, a volunteer courier with BMDP since 2015, together with her friend Neriman Hiso, took up the assignment to deliver the donor stem cells across the border without any hesitation.
“The fear about the COVID-19 pandemic did not occur to me. Instead, I was focused on planning my route to the destination so that the beneficiary can get the stem cells quickly,” said Eleanor, who prepared herself for the assignment upon receiving the request for help.
Neriman, a mother of two, said, “Eleanor and I were supposed to meet for coffee that day. When I called her up to confirm the meeting place, she told me she would have to postpone our meeting as she needed to urgently do the delivery. When I heard, I offered to send her from the BMDP office to the Woodlands Checkpoint.”
Both volunteers sprang into action quickly upon receiving confirmation. Neriman picked Eleanor from her residence to the BMDP office, where phone lines were busy just hours earlier with its team of staff coordinating the stem cells harvest and frantically exploring different delivery options before confirming the trip with Eleanor. They then headed to the laboratory to collect the bag of stem cells and thereafter braved the congestion at the highway to the Woodlands Checkpoint, where Neriman dropped Eleanor. With no time to waste, Eleanor navigated her way through the chaotic Causeway before she could successfully hand over the precious package to the doctor, who was also stuck in a jam on his way to meet her halfway.
Eleanor revealed that she knew and understood the risks of taking on the journey. “There was a tinge of uncertainty because of the impending Movement Control Order which was to start within the next couple of hours. However, there is a patient who needed the stem cells, and for whom this could mean the difference between life and death. I knew I had to help.”
The returning journey to Singapore was another challenge altogether. “By the time I was to leave Johor, there were throngs of people who were rushing to enter Singapore before the lockdown,” recounted Eleanor, who managed to enter Singapore after being stuck for hours.
Despite the difficulties, both Eleanor and Neriman expressed their desire to help again should the need arise. Eleanor said, “If someone is given a second chance at life and it is within my means to help, I will do everything I can.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Neriman said, “I will sign up for a similar assignment in a heartbeat if given a chance once again. All I want to do is to give back to the society in any way I can.”
Mr Charles Loh, Chief Executive Officer of the BMDP, said “We desperately want to give this patient a second chance at life. Our team had to brainstorm and explore various options to beat the lockdown. When we decided on this option, we are extremely grateful that Eleanor stepped forward without hesitation, and we are also thankful for Neriman who rendered her assistance during these trying times. Our Malaysian counterparts have also expressed their gratitude. Time is of the essence when it comes to transplants, and we were heartened that our volunteers were willing to step up to the challenge despite the situation and location.”
“On this note, we would also like to thank the Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, together with her team, who have helped pave the way for our volunteers. Indeed, solidarity knows no borders.” he added.
