INBC Marrow Program
What are Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cells?
Bone marrow is the tissue found inside bones that produces blood stem cells. These blood stem cells are the source of circulating red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that carry oxygen, fight infection and help control bleeding. Any disease that attacks the bone marrow can eliminate the body’s ability to nourish and protect itself.
Why Register to Donate Bone Marrow or Blood Stem Cells?
When you become a donor through the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) (www.marrow.org), you are participating in an effort to give patients with leukemia and other life-threatening blood diseases a second chance at life.
Every year, thousands of adults and children need a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant -- a procedure which may be their only chance for survival. Although some patients have a genetically matched family member who can donate, about 70 percent do not. These patients' lives depend on finding an unrelated individual with a compatible tissue type -- often within their own ethnic group -- who is willing to be their donor.
Just one week before Ashley planned to attend her senior prom, she was diagnosed with cancer. She completed a difficult chemo regimen only to find she now has leukemia…a direct result of her chemo. A bone marrow transplant is her only hope for life. Many others like Ashley desperately need your help.
You can save a life.
Thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening blood disorders are searching the National Marrow Donor Program Registry for a marrow/blood cell donor. They are hoping to find a volunteer donor, somone like you, who is willing to help them. Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed.
