Be the Match - Donor Information Pamphlet

FAQ Does donating bone marrow hurt at all? Are there side effects?

During the collection procedure, donors are given anesthesia so they feel no pain. Side effects in the recovery process may include mild back pain, fatigue, headache or bruising that can last for a few days to a few weeks.

What is a stem cell transplant?

Also known as a bone marrow transplant, a stem cell transplant is a life-saving treatment for blood cancer patients, including those with leukemia and lymphoma. The patient's diseased blood cells and immune system are wiped out through chemotherapy and radiation before the donor's cells are introduced to their bloodstream.

What is my commitment if I choose to join the registry?

When registering, you commit to updating your contact information, notifying us of changes in health, responding quickly to match calls, and donating to any patient who matches you. As donating is always voluntary, you have the right to decide not to be a donor at any time.

Visit bethematch.org/ for more information.

CONTACT US National Marrow Donor Program 500 N. 5th Street Minneapolis, MN 5541-1206 1-800-627-7692

BE

THE MATCH

YOUR GUIDE TO DONATING

QUICK STATS

DONATION TYPES

Approximately every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

PERIPHERAL BLOOD STEM CELLS

480 PEOPLE EVERYDAY 20

PEOPLE EVERY HOUR

You could be the cure.

For blood cancer patients, there is a cure. The amazing thing is, it might be you.

Donating peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) happens through a non-surgical procedure called apheresis.

For 5 days before your donation day, you will be given daily injections of filgratism, a drug that increases your blood-forming cells (blood stem cells).

When you donate, your blood will be withdrawn through a needle in one arm and run through a machine collecting only your blood stem cells.

The rest of your blood is returned to you through a needle in your other arm.

One donation may take up to 8 hours.

BONE MARROW

1 IN 40

REGISTRY MEMBERS

will be called for additional testing.

REGISTRY 1 IN 300 MEMBERS

Donating bone marrow happens through a surgical procedure under general anesthesia.

As you lie on your stomach, doctors use specialized hollow needles to draw liquid marrow from both sides of the back of your pelvic bone.

The incisions made are less than 1/4 inch long and don't require stitiches.

The procedure takes approximately 2 hours.

will be chosen as the best possible donor for a patient.

ONLY ABOUT

1 IN 430

ACTUALLY DONATE

Donors can expect to return to work, school, and other activities within 1 week after donation. Recovery times may depend on the individual and type of donation, but most donors are back to their usual routine in a few days.

JOINING THE REGISTRY If you decide that donating bone marrow is right for you, remember the most important thing you can do is stay committed.

1

Register online! Fill out a medical history survey to see if you meet basic qualifications.

2

Swab your cheek! Use a kit from a Be the Match event or request a mail-in one.

3

Get matched! Due to the complicated nature of genetics, it may be weeks, months, or years before we contact you with a potential match.

4

Be ready to donate! If you're called, you're the best genetic match for the patient.

Swab a cheek. Save a life.