1800 Williams St., Suite 200 • Denver, CO 80218
Phone 303-388-4876 • Fax 303-336-2193 • Toll Free 1-800-891-7622

URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/static/Becoming-a-Donor.html

Becoming a Donor

Join the Stem Cell Donor Registry
You could save a life.

Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with a blood-related disease, including leukemia and aplastic anemia. A stem cell transplant is often their only chance of survival. Tissue types are genetic; therefore it is more likely for a patient to find a matched donor from someone with a similar ethnic background. About 25% of patients will find a suitable donor within their immediate family and the remaining patients need to find an unrelated donor.

The Colorado Marrow Donor Program assists with the coordination of marrow transplants and provides testing for potential donors to join the National Marrow Donor Program. Currently, ethnically diverse donors comprise only 25 percent of the NMDP Registry. As a result, it is extremely difficult for an ethnic patient to find a matched donor. The need for Hispanic, African-American, Asian and American Indian donors is critical.

The cost of testing ($30) limits our ability to offer testing community-wide. However, through grants we are able to cover the testing cost for all donors from the African American, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian communities. Individuals of other ethnic backgrounds wishing to pay for their own testing cost are greatly appreciated and encouraged to join the program also. We are also seeking volunteers interested in coordinating ethnic-focused marrow registration drives at their church, school, business or other community organization.

Joining the NMDP Registry is quick and simple. The health requirements for CMDP differ slightly from blood donation, so check to see if you qualify. Before being tested, please note the following:
  • Donors need to be in good general health and between the ages of 18 and 60.
  • Donors remain part of NMDP until the age of 61.
  • Donors are available to any patient searching NMDP.
  • No marrow is collected until a matched patient is identified and the donor completes further testing.
  • Donor previously tested (even in another state) are encouraged to update their address with CMDP.

How do I become a marrow donor?
  1. A CMDP representative informs you about becoming a volunteer donor and the donation process. After you consent to being listed on the NMDP Registry, you give a small blood sample.
  2. Your blood sample is tested to determine its human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. The results are added to NMDP Registry, which is searched internationally on behalf of patients searching for a compatible donor.
  3. If the NMDP Registry indicates you may be a matched donor, CMDP will inform you of your status and arrange for additional testing.
  4. If further testing indicates you're a precise match with the patient, you will receive a thorough physical examination. You will be provided with detailed information about the marrow donation process and asked for your consent to continue with the stem cell collection.
  5. A donation will be scheduled at a Denver area hospital.
  6. You recover quickly from the procedure. Typically, donors are discharged the evening of the surgery and can resume normal activity, although you may experience some soreness for a week or somewhat longer. Your marrow naturally replenishes itself within a few weeks.

For questions, call 800.619.1099 or 303.363.2345 or email Lara_Urano@bonfils.org

Visit www.marrow.org for more information about the National Marrow Donor Program.