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Introducing NMDP, formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program and Be The Match.
Our name has changed but our mission has not: We save lives through cell therapy. Learn more
Chris, a young father from California, needs a marrow transplant to live. Like 70% of all patients, he does not have a fully matched marrow donor in his family. Chris will die unless he finds a specific someone – the perfect match – for a marrow transplant that will save his life. Watch Chris' story below. You could be his cure.
Most people give through a Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation. A machine draws blood from one arm, extracts the cells it needs, and returns the remaining blood back to your body through your other arm.
For some people, the doctor will need to extract marrow directly from the back of your pelvic bone with a needle. In this case, you’ll receive anesthesia and feel no pain during the procedure.
Does it hurt?
Probably less than you think.
While TV shows and movies have wildly exaggerated bone marrow donation as something scary, the reality is much less dramatic. Donors are given anesthesia so they feel no pain during collection. Discomfort during recovery varies from person to person. Side effects may include back pain, fatigue, headache or bruising for a few days or weeks.
PBSC donors may experience headaches or body aches several days before collection, but these disappear shortly after donation.
Most donors feel completely recovered within a few weeks. A small price to pay for the chance to save a life.
Are there any risks?
Relatively few.
Your body replaces the marrow that you give. And while no medical procedure is completely risk-free, every precaution is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the donor.
Patients like Chris can't wait. You can help.
Chris, searching patient, with his children
Join the marrow registry. You could be a match for Chris or patients like him. It’s simple. After you answer a series of questions about your medical history, we’ll send you a swab kit in the mail. Once you swab your cheek and return your kit, your registration will be complete. Because of the genetic complexity of matching donors to patients, you may match someone months or years from now – or you may never be called to donate. That’s okay too. It’s important to stay committed, so that if and when a patient needs you, you’re ready for them.
Give patients and their families more tomorrows. Join today.
