In hopes of finding a bone marrow match for people in need throughout the world.

Who is needed as a donor?

Most likely, you will match a person of your same ethnic race.  Because there is a huge shortage of minorities in the national registry, this drive is targeted towards people of Asian, African-American, Hispanic, and other minority races.

How do you become a stem cell donor?

Initial Step...
- You must be between the ages of 18 to 60 and in good health.
- Give one tablespoon of blood and complete a National Marrow Donor Program consent form.
- Your blood is HLA-typed and entered into a national computer database.

If You Match...
- If a preliminary match is determined, additional blood tests are taken to determine if you are a precise match for a patient.
- If the match is perfect, special counselors will give you detailed information and answer your questions.  A doctor will ensure you are in excellent health to donate.
- After being fully informed, YOU MAKE THE DECISION to become a donor.  You will only be giving 5% of your good stem cells and these all regenerate in a few weeks.  After the procedure you may experience soreness, like if you fell on your butt when rollerblading.  Most donors can carry on a daily routine almost immediately after the procedure.
- The donated stem cell is immediately sent to the transplant center and infused into the waiting patient.
 
 
 

Email contactmarrow@mit.edu for more information.