“For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. Over the past 30 years Be The Match ® , operated by the National Marrow Donor Program ® (NMDP), has managed the most diverse marrow registry in the world. We work every day to save lives through transplant(Be The Match).”

Diseases Treated with Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant

  • Leukemias and Lymphomas

  • Multiple Myeloma and other plasma disorders

  • Severe Aplastic Anemia and other bone marrow diseases

  • Inherited Immune Systeme Disorders

  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes

  • Familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and other histiocytic disorders

  • Hemoglobinopathies

For a longer list and more info: Diseases Treatable by Transplant

Why does ethnic background matter?

“When it comes to matching human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, a patient’s ethnic background is important in predicting the likelihood of finding a match. This is because HLA markers used in matching are inherited. Some ethnic groups have more complex tissue types than others. So a person’s best chance of finding a donor may be with someone of the same ethnic background (Be The Match, 2022).”

What does it mean to donate?

First, it means that you are a hero and saving someone’s life! So thank you for even considering it! It is a very simple process to join the registry and be tested to see if you are a match for someone. The first step is just texting “Burrell” to 61474. (We are cool and have our own codes). You would then fill out a short form and receive a swab packet in the mail, swab your cheeks, and send it back. If you are a match for someone in need of life saving stem cells at some point, Be The Match contacts you about donating. They are amazing and cover all costs for donation. Below are some links to more information about the requirements and process.

Medical Guidelines for Donating

Myths and Facts About Bone Marrow Donation

Frequently Asked Questions About Joining the Registry

We are so grateful for all of the support and to those who sign up to donate! Even if it is not a match for Burrell, it could be for someone else. We are also thankful for Be The Match and their team who has been providing us with endless support as we navigate and potentially take this next step.