More than 11,000 people have donated marrow for unrelated patients since the National Marrow Donor Program began in 1987. Upwards of 50-60,000, have donated marrow for family members.To donate bone marrow, a person receives either a general or regional anesthesia. The marrow is then removed through a hollow surgical needle inserted several times into the iliac crest (back of the pelvic bone). This procedure can take from 45-90 minutes. Since marrow constantly regenerates itself, the donor's system will replace the extracted marrow completely within several weeks. After the procedure, donors can feel some soreness in the lower back for a few days or longer. Some people may also feel tired and having some difficulty walking. Because this is considered a surgical procedure, there is some risk involved. Serious complications, though, are rare.
Blood Stem Cells
Stem cells are any of the cells in the body that can grow into other kinds of cells. Healthy blood stem cells are vital because they replace our supply of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When a person's blood stem cells become diseased or cancerous, it is a life-threatening situation. Often, the only hope for a cure is a blood stem cell transplant, which replaces the patient's diseased cells with healthy new cells. For the transplant to be a success, however, these cells must match the patient's own cells as closely as possible.
The cells used in blood stem cell transplants come from three main sources: bone marrow, peripheral (or circulating) blood, and the umbilical cord of newborn babies. In the case of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells, an adult donor donates the cells. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are collected when a baby is born and are stored for future use.
Approximately 75% of the stem cell transplants facilitated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) are for patients with some form of leukemia.
Becoming a Bone Marrow Donor
It just takes a small vial of blood for you to be typed as a bone marrow donor. Donor registry sites are located across the country. To find the one closest to you, contact:
The American Bone Marrow Donor Registry
1-800-736-6283
The National Marrow Donor Program
1-800-654-1247
