A marrow donation is a procedure where marrow is surgically removed and given to a recipient. All donors are given general or regional anesthesia. The procedure lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. Marrow constantly regenerates itself so a person's body will regenerate donated marrow within several weeks.

For a PBPC donation one will receive a daily injection of filgrastim for four or five consecutive days. Filgrastim is a blood stem cell growth factor that increases the number of blood stem cells released from your marrow into your blood stream so they can be collected through an apheresis procedure.

How can I join the National Marrow Registry?
A simple blood test administered by an authorized National Marrow Donor Program center is required to enter your type into the National Registry. There are two ways to get the blood sample from you:

1. Go to a local "typing drive".
   
   
2. Have a kit sent to you ($65 per person unless you are a minority). Please call
   1-800- MARROW-7.
   

What are the basic requirements?
You must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in generally good health.

For general information call 1-800-MARROW-7 or visit www.nmdp.org.