When you join the Be The Match Registry®, you are taking the first step to save a life. You are also making a commitment to be ready to take the next step if a patient needs you. Everyone on the registry is critical to saving lives. However, doctors choose registry members ages 18-44 more than 90% of the time. For all registry members, the most important thing you can do is stay committed, so if you’re selected as a match for a patient you’re ready to move forward.
Be sure you understand what to expect when you join the registry so you feel comfortable with your decision.
Be The Match Registry is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program
® (NMDP). If you joined the NMDP Registry, either in person or online, you are a member of the Be The Match Registry and do not need to join again. Learn more about
Be The Match.
Consider your decision
Discuss your decision with your family or friends when you join the registry. You may need their support if you are ever contacted as a match.
If you match a patient, your commitment to donate is very important, but you have the right to change your mind. However, a late decision to not donate can be life-threatening to a patient. Please think seriously about your commitment before joining the registry.
Get the facts
If you still have questions, call us at 1 (800) MARROW-2 (1-800-627-7692) or contact your local donor center.
Stay involved after you join
Thousands of patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases need a bone marrow transplant. Doctors search the Be The Match Registry to find donors for their patients. Once you’ve joined, we will contact you if a doctor selects you as a match for a patient in need of a life-saving transplant. You could be a match for a patient soon, many years from now or you may never be called.
In the meantime, here are other ways to stay involved:
Keep your information updated
If you match a patient, we will need to find you quickly. Keeping us updated with your contact information is crucial!
Contact us if:
- Your phone number, name, e-mail or address changes.
- You have major changes to your health.
- You want to be removed from the Be The Match Registry.
Update your information online or call us at 1 (800) MARROW-2 (1-800-627-7692).
Stay in touch
Sign up to receive updates from us on more ways you can be part of our life-saving work.
Spread the word
Tell your friends how they can join the Be The Match Registry. Get involved. Save a life.
Information about joining the registry is also available in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.