Wednesday, December 17, 2025

“Your Twin Needs You”: AKB Foundation Shares Powerful Donor–Recipient Stories and Calls for Stem Cell Donors

Starting December 15, the Aktion Knochenmarkspende Bayern (AKB) Foundation is launching its new high-impact campaign, “Your Twin Needs You.” At the heart of the campaign are real people and authentic stories that show how stem cell donors and leukemia patients become life-savers and survivors through genetic matching.

Using striking split-screen visuals, each campaign motif merges the faces of donors and recipients into a single image. The visual concept illustrates what is medically crucial: a suitable stem cell donor is a genetic twin – regardless of nationality, age, or borders. The campaign’s core message is clear: Leukemia knows no borders and neither should help.

Real Stories That Give Hope

Central to the campaign are moving donor–recipient pairs. Lukas, who gave Franziska a second chance at life through his stem cell donation. Josef and Benita, whose lives are uniquely connected through donation. Florian and Gabriele, whose story shows how strangers can become saviors and survivors.

In addition, individual voices share their personal journeys: Vincent, who can continue living thanks to an unknown donor. Marco, whose donation gave someone the chance to enjoy a healthy retirement. Philipp, also known as Beppo Calzone, who is back on stage as a cabaret artist and musician. Julia, Carina, and Flex also represent the many people who show how simple it can be to save a life.

“Behind every stem cell donation is a difficult fate and an extraordinary act of compassion,” says Dr. med. Hans Knabe, founder and board member of the AKB Foundation. “Somewhere in the world, there is a genetic twin for every patient – we just have to find them.”

Get Registered – Simple, Free, and Life-Saving

The campaign addresses all healthy individuals between the ages of 17 and 45. Registering is easy: a free typing kit can be ordered directly from the AKB Foundation’s website. A simple cheek swab is all it takes to become part of the global donor registry.

Companies can also take action. By organizing on-site registration drives, employers and employees can take responsibility together and actively save lives. Every new registration increases the chance that patients worldwide will find their genetic twin.

Creating Impact Together – Locally and Digitally

The AKB Foundation is also calling on local businesses, companies, schools, and universities across Bavaria to support the campaign. By displaying posters or sharing campaign content through their own channels, partners can help spread the message. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly.

About the Aktion Knochenmarkspende Bayern Foundation

Founded in 1993 by Dr. med. Hans Knabe, the Aktion Knochenmarkspende Bayern Foundation is today the third-largest stem cell donor registry in Germany. More than 40 dedicated employees work every day to give people around the world a second chance at life. The well-being of donors is always the top priority – from registration through aftercare.

The “Your Twin Needs You” campaign can be found on the AKB Foundation’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.