- It’s free.
- It’s painless.
- There are few side effects.
Science has come a long way: now, it’s like giving blood.
Each new registry member brings hope to every patient; you could be the match a patient has been hoping for. It’s as simple as a swab of your cheek with a q-tip. And, it’s always your decision to donate, even if you do match. Donation is a simple process over 3-4 weeks involving medication and harvesting through blood donation.
Patients in need of a transplant and their families, committed supporters, and partner organizations large and small have recruited many thousands of members to the Be The Match Registry. Even so, many patients, especially those of racially and ethnically diverse heritage, do not yet have a match.
Donors between the ages of 18 and 44 are especially needed. In fact, doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group about 90 percent of the time. Check it out: www.BeTheMatch.org