World Blood Cancer Day, observed every year on 28 May, is a global initiative to raise awareness for blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and blood disorders such as aplastic anaemia and sickle cell disease. In South Africa, someone is diagnosed every hour, and for many, a stem cell transplant is their only chance of survival. Unfortunately, around 70% of patients don’t have a matching donor in their family, relying on strangers to step forward.  We are in conversation with the Head of Community Engagement and Communication, at DKMS Africa,  Palesa Mokomele about the warning signs people should never ignore, the emotional and financial impact of blood cancer, and why awareness and community support remain critical in improving survival and giving hope to thousands of patients across South Africa and the world.