A little Background

I wanted to tell about my experience as a donor because it is such an easy way to help someone in need yet so many people don't know what stem cell donation is or how they can help. I didn't. I am certain there are other people like myself who would be willing to help if they were asked so I'm asking. Full disclosure here, I'm not a doctor, but this was what I learned based on my experience as a donor.

What is it?
Bone Marrow and blood stem cell transplants are sometimes needed to help patients with various types of blood diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell anemia. However, finding a match can be tough. According to the National Bone Marrow Registry about 10,000 patients per year need a donor and only half are able to find a match. That's 5,000 people who need a life saving donation that don't receive one. 70% of people who need a PBSC or bone marrow transplant do not have a match in their own family and must turn to strangers to find a donor.

Who can donate?
Anyone age 18-55 who is in good health could be a potential donor. Because a patient is most likely to find a match within their own race there is an especially critical need for minority donors.

How does it work?
Sometimes bone marrow is collected in an outpatient surgical procedure which removes marrow from your hip with a syringe. However, with today's medical advances a lot of times they can harvest the stem cells that come from your marrow with a procedure called PBSC or partial blood stem cell donation. PBSC donation is a lot like donating plasma and is very simple. I was a PBSC donor.

How do you sign up?
To get on the donor registry all you have to do is give a cheek swab. A couple swipes of a q-tip and they have everything they need to add you to the list. You may not ever be called, but you may get the opportunity to save a life.

Why donate?
A donation gives hope and a second chance. It means everything to the patient and their loved ones who are desperate for a way to fight the disease. All it really takes is a small donation of your time should be you lucky enough to be a match. It's amazing to think that such a small act can make such a difference.