What is marrow or bone-marrow?
Bone-marrow is the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones. It contains immature cells called stem cells.
Bone-marrow transplantation (BMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are procedures that restore stem cells that have been destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Click here to learn more:
http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/7_41.htm
What are stem cells?
Stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into many different cell types in the body. Stem cells of the blood (hematopoietic stem cells) generate all other blood cells in the human body, including red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.
Most stem cells are found in the bone marrow, but some stem cells called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) can be found in the bloodstream. Umbilical cord blood also contains stem cells.
Click here to learn more:
http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics4.asp
What is cord blood?
Cord Blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. It contains large numbers of blood stem cells. For this reason, blood stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord are collected after birth and stored for a potential future transplant. For more information click here:
http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Donate_Cord_Blood_Share_Life/How_to_Donate_Cord_Blood/index.html
In terms becoming part of a blood registry…
Be advised there is more than one registry in the U.S.; that said, NMDP is one of the more prominent.
To get started with the NMDP, click on the following link:
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html
You can also give that NMDP a call for more information (1-800-627-7692)
Why are blood stem cell volunteers needed?
Each year, more than 30,000 people (including children) are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases for which a peripheral blood stem cell, cord blood or bone marrow transplant may offer the only chance for a cure. Additionally, stem cells are increasing being used for many other therapies:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell_treatments
Typically, what age do you need to be in order to be a donor?
The registries typically require that you must be at least 18, but not older than 60 to be a donor. Everyone's situation is unique, however, so if you feel that you are healthy and could potentially be a great donor, please contact the registry of your choice and they will let you know their latest guidelines. See registry contact information provided previously above.
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The information provided is intended only as a helpful resource. Can Do Coalition does not endorse any specific registry. We will make our best effort to update links. Be advised: If a link has been changed by a publisher, the links provided may no longer be valid. In that event, go to the root of the directory for the organization referenced: e.g., http://www.marrow.org/ or http://www.bmdw.org/, and then search within the site for current information.
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