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Uniting for Life: Giving Marrow

For many patients with cancer and other diseases, a marrow transplant means hope where once there was none.   For patients who are African American, the best chance of finding a match is with another African American, but more African American donors are needed. Here is how you can help:

About Marrow

Marrow is the substance found in the long hollow bones of our bodies that produces red and white blood cells.  If you needed a marrow transplant, the first place to look for a donor would be to a member of your family. However, only 30 percent of patients are able to find a donor within their family. The next step is to search for an unrelated donor through a registry of volunteers administered by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), a national non-profit organization founded in 1986. Since the unique characteristics of each person's marrow is inherited, the best chance of finding an unrelated donor for you would be with a person from a similar ethnic background. More African American donors in the registry would increase the likelihood that matches could be found for other African American patients waiting today. There is also a need for donors of Hispanic, Asian and Native American ancestry.

What to Expect at a Marrow Drive

You won't be asked to donate marrow. You will talk with Red Cross staff about the donation process, then read and sign a consent form. A small amount of blood will be taken, just as when a blood sample is taken at the doctor's office. That sample will be sent to a laboratory for tissue typing and you will be added to the pool of potential donors maintained by NMDP.

If a patient is found who matches you, you would be notified. This begins the process that includes confirming the match, counseling about the donation, a medical examination, and making the decision to donate. The actual donation takes place in a hospital and usually requires an overnight stay. To be a marrow donor, you must be in good health and at least 18 years old.

1-800-GIVE LIFE.

For information, visit the Web site of National Marrow Donor Program.

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