Every day, thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases hope for a marrow donor who can make their transplant possible. Because 70 percent of patients do not match a donor in their family, they depend on people like you.
When you join the Be the Match Registry (formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program), you become part of every patient's search for a donor. You have the power to heal, the power to save a life.
Helping the cause is easier than ever. Pick the option that is best for you, or better yet, choose both.
- Join the National Registry. Online or on paper, the process is as easy as completing a form and a simple do-it-yourself cheek swab. If you prefer to do so online, click here. The cheek swab will then be mailed to you at the address you provide. Or, if you prefer paper, call (317) 916-5112 to request a kit. Leave your name, phone number and mailing address and we'll send you a kit with return instructions.
- Donate to the Registry. You may be surprised to know that testing of the cheek swab costs $100. Mirroring the spirit of those who selflessly join the registry in the likelihood that they will be the match for someone who needs a life-saving transplant, Be the Match covers the testing cost through a Pay it Forward campaign. Anyone who registers is asked to make a tax-deductible donation as well. And, for those who want to help but do not want to or simply cannot join the registry, contributing financially is a means for them to step up and join the cause.
To schedule a bone marrow registry drive or to ask questions, contact Melissa Levy at (317) 916-5110 or at mlevy@indianablood.org.
The Need for Diversity
Looking for an even more compelling reason to join? Tissue types are inherited from our parents. Patients are most likely to match someone of their own race or ethnicity. It is vital that the registry be representative of the entire population so that every patient has a second chance at life.
