Additional Information
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
NMDP Facts & Figures
Diseases Treatable by Bone Marrow Transplant
Donor Information
How Do I Become A Stem Cell Donor?
Bone Marrow Donor Program
The National Marrow Donor Program is a worldwide organization made up of many
individuals who work together to recruit bone marrow/stem cell donors to help
save the lives of many patients in need of a lifesaving transplants.
Currently, there are over 6 million donors listed nationally. Astonishingly, there are still patients who die waiting for a matched donor.
For many, the only chance for survival is a marrow or blood stem cell transplant. These transplants require matching certain tissue traits of the donor and patient.
We were all given a genetic code when we were created. It is made up of six antigens we receive from our biological parents. In order for a transplant to occur, patients and donors must match on at least five out of those six.
Of course, a six match is considered as close to perfect as you can get. Remember that no two people are quite exactly alike. You only have a 30% chance of finding a matched donor in your family. The registry increases your chances to 85%.
Blood Assurance has been a part of the NMDP registry since 1993.
Due to a very heartfelt community, we have recruited over 12,500 new donors and aided
in matching 127 bone marrow/stem cell patients to donors in 39 various cities around the world.
Potential donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years old and meet health guidelines. A swab sample of cheek cells is taken and tested to determine the donors's tissue type. Potential donors must also complete a brief health history questionnaire and sign a consent form to have their tissue type listed on the Registry.
You can register at any Blood Assurance location or by contacting us if you are out of our area.
Thank you for your interest in the bone marrow registry.
Contact Us
Carla Lewis 423-752-8468
1-800-962-0628 ext. 159
marrow@bloodassurance.org
Alta Roberson
423-752-5951
1-800-962-0628 ext. 189
altaroberson@bloodassurance.org