Join the bone marrow donor registry! It's easy, free, and could save a life!
NMDP, formerly the National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match, is a nonprofit that holds a registry of potential donors of healthy bone marrow and blood stem cells, matches donors to patients, and organizes and facilitates the donation.
Why is this important?
Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with blood cancers, and often the only hope is a donation of healthy bone marrow or blood stem cells. This requires a much closer match than a blood transfusion. 70% of patients will not have a match for donation in their family, and will need to find one on the registry. Depending on the patient's ethnic background they may have as little as a 29% chance of finding a donor who is a good enough match on the registry. The only way to improve these odds is for more people to sign up and increase the number of potential donors on the registry.
How do I sign up?
Signing up is easy! If you are between 18 and 40 years old, you can visit their website and sign up. They will send you a cheek swab kit in the mail, you swab your cheeks, send it back, and that's it! You're now on the registry, and if they ever find you're a potential match for any patients, they'll contact you. If you need to travel for your donation, they'll cover any related expenses, meals, and your time off work.
Need help deciding if donating bone marrow is right for you? Get answers to frequently asked questions about bone marrow donation and the co
Making this post because I completed a donation last year, and started volunteering with them in my area. So if any of you have any questions about the donation process or anything else, feel free to reply or DM me! If you're interested in helping in other ways, you can find information about donating money or volunteering your time on their website.
