Every year, thousands of children and adults worldwide are diagnosed with blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) or other serious diseases of the blood or immune system that, if untreated, are fatal.
For many of them, a hematopoietic stem cell transplant from a related or unrelated donor is their only chance.
It’s more likely to find a compatible donor within the same population group or geographical region as the patient. That’s why most countries have established registries of volunteer stem cell donors. Currently, there are millions of registered hematopoietic stem cell donors worldwide.
Donors are first sought among the patient’s siblings. However, only about 25% of cases find a compatible match this way. In the rest, patients need a compatible unrelated donor.
Deciding to donate hematopoietic stem cells requires good information and thoughtful consideration. We hope the information in this brochure helps you make an informed decision to register as a volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donor.
By registering, you could give someone with leukemia or another blood cancer a chance at life.
It’s incredible—don’t keep it a secret.
Tell your friends, family, and community about the amazing thing you might do one day.
Stem cell donation is voluntary, anonymous, and unpaid.
