Mukkam: On Monday morning, at around 11.30, when the Dubai flight touched down in Kochi, passenger Amjad Rahman was stepping into the hopes of a 10-year-old boy. The boy, battling a blood cell disorder and undergoing treatment, is to receive a stem cell donation from Amjad — a native of Chendamangalur in Mukkam and manager of a restaurant in Dubai.

Straight from the airport, Amjad headed to Amrita Hospital, where he was administered injections to boost stem cell production. For the next four days, doctors will continue administering these shots. On Friday evening, he will make the actual donation and by that night, he will be back on a flight to Dubai.

Amjad had already flown down to Kochi two weeks earlier for preliminary medical tests. He returned to Dubai within two days, only to come back now after receiving the positive test results. “My employers at the restaurant and my family extended full support once they understood the purpose of my travel,” Amjad said.

It was through the Dhathri Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry that the boy’s family was able to trace Amjad. They had reached out over the phone, requesting help.

Amjad’s stem cell compatibility was first discovered at a stem cell awareness and testing camp organised by the Pain and Palliative Club of Manassery MAMO College. A former student there, Amjad was remembered by his teachers as an exceptional volunteer in the field of humanitarian work, and a winner of the Best Social Worker award.

Now, on a five-day leave from work, Amjad is shuttling between the hospital and the airport — without knowing even the child’s name or other details. All he knows is this – his stem cells may give a 10-year-old battling a serious blood disorder a chance to live.

Out of nearly seven lakh people who had been tested, it was Amjad’s stem cells that matched with that of the child.

“There is no bond stronger than this — a bond of blood itself,” Amjad said softly.