"Be the Match" Bone Marrow Registry Drive

Thursday, June 18, 2009
Via Elana over on Girl on Girl Action*, I have become aware of the National Marrow Donor Program's "Be the Match" registry drive, going on now until June 22nd. From the website:

When you join the Be The Match RegistrySM, you become part of every patient's search for a bone marrow donor. You could be the one to save a life.

And now, during the Be The Match Marrowthon, you can join online for free June 8 - 22, while funding remains. Our Marrowthon goal is to add 46,000 new members to the registry. Be one of them!

Now, donating bone marrow to a complete stranger isn't for everyone. From what I understand, the procedure can be painful, and there are risks to any medical procedure. Registering people costs money, which is why this free drive is so cool. I registered about a hundred years ago through the Navy, and Elana's link reminded me to update my contact information through this website.

It's a good cause, if you're so inclined.


*No, it's not a pr0n site, but Elana's writing style is delightful.

5 comments:

Jim Wright said...

I got put on the national register through a Navy program a decade ago. What does it say about me that I've never been matched to anybody?

Janiece said...

It says you're a white guy of European descent.

Most registries have a shortage of people of color or unique genetic pools (like East European Jews). You and me? We're a dime a dozen.

Jeri said...

I registered about a decade ago when a good friend at work had leukemia. She's gone now; I named the protagonist of my first NaNoWriMo novel after her. ::sad thoughts::

However, if they were to find me a match for someone, I'd be all over it.

Anonymous said...

I am african American, have a o neg blood, and special antibodies in my blood that's suppose to be great for babies & cancer patients. I've been on the registry for 2 yrs & never been called either. Almost feels like a waste of time going through the process.

Janiece said...

Welcome, Leelea.

Don't feel bad. Not being called is almost a good thing - it means there's no one "like you" who requires a transplant.

I do know that people get called - one of the Smart Man's cousins (an active duty member) recently donated at Walter Reed after registering.