When you join the Be The Match Registry®, you become part of every patient's search for a bone marrow donor. Thousands of patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases need a bone marrow transplant. You could be the one to save a life.
Note: If you are between the ages of 45 and 60, you will not be able to join the registry at a community event. You must join the registry online. To achieve our mission for all patients in need of a marrow transplant to have the best outcome possible, our focus in the community is to register donors ages 18-44. Research shows that younger donors are best for patients because they provide the greatest chance for transplant success. Doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group 90 percent of the time.
Where to join
To find a Be The Match Registry drive near you, enter your zip code and select the maximum distance you are willing to travel.
Or you can contact your local recruitment center. Doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group 90 percent of the time.
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What to expect
Joining the Be The Match Registry is easy. You must meet the health guidelines and be willing to donate to any patient in need.
When you come to a donor registry drive, we will explain what it means to join the registry, help you understand your commitment, answer your questions and help you through the process.
All you need to do is:
- Complete a registration form with contact information, health information and a signed agreement to join the Be The Match Registry. To help you complete the form, bring along:
- Personal identification (such as a driver's license or passport)
- Contact information for two family members or friends who would know how to reach you in the future if your contact information changes
- Give either a swab of cheek cells or a blood sample to be tissue-typed. We will use the results to match you to patients.
- Please also consider making a financial gift to the Be The Match Foundation®. The total cost to add a new member to the registry is about $100. Your generous contribution in any amount is tax-deductible and helps make it possible for others to join.
That's it! You'll be listed on our registry -- where doctor's turn when their patient needs a bone marrow transplant and there is no matching donor in the patient's family.
Remember: Our focus in the community is to reach potential donors ages 18-44. Research shows that younger donors are best for patients because they provide the greatest chance for transplant success. Doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group 90 percent of the time. If you are between the ages of 45 and 60, you will not be able to join the registry at a community event. You must join the registry online.
Still have questions?
See FAQs about Joining the Registry or call us at 1 (800) MARROW-2 (1-800-627-7692).